Types and explanations of conformity

What is internalisation in conformity?

A deep, permanent change where a person genuinely accepts and internalises group norms, altering both their public behaviour and private beliefs.

What is identification in conformity?

Publicly changing opinions/behaviour to be part of a group we value, even if we don't privately agree with all its norms. It's about group membership.

What is compliance in conformity?

A superficial, temporary change. Publicly 'going along with the group' to gain approval or avoid rejection, while privately maintaining one's own beliefs.

What is Informational Social Influence (ISI)?

Conforming because we believe the group has accurate information and we want to be right. It's a cognitive process that leads to internalisation.

In what situations is ISI most likely to occur?

In new, ambiguous, or crisis situations where we are unsure of the correct behaviour or belief and look to the group for guidance

What is Normative Social Influence (NSI)?

Conforming to gain social approval, be liked, and avoid rejection. It's an emotional process that leads to compliance

In what situations is NSI most likely to occur?

With strangers (fear of rejection) or friends (need for approval). It can be more pronounced in stressful situations where social support is needed.

What research finding from Asch supports Normative Social Influence (NSI)?

Participants said they conformed to avoid disapproval. When answers were written down (removing group pressure), conformity rates dropped significantly.

What research finding from Lucas et al. (2006) supports Informational Social Influence (ISI)?

Participants conformed more to wrong answers on difficult maths problems, showing they relied on others for information when the task was ambiguous (a key prediction of ISI).

What is a major weakness in distinguishing between ISI and NSI in research?

It's often unclear which is at work. For example, a dissenter in Asch's study could reduce NSI (by providing social support) or ISI (by providing alternative information). Both processes likely operate together.

How do individual differences challenge NSI as a complete explanation?

Not everyone conforms equally. People with a high need for affiliation (nAffiliators) are more likely to conform due to NSI, showing that personality also influences conformity.