Conformity and Obedience - Ch 6 - Social Psychology

Conformity

change in behavior or belief as a result of real or imagined group pressure

Compliance

publicly conforming to something you disagree with

Obedience

following the commands of an authority figure

Acceptance

sincere conformity as a result of an internal change

Sherif’s Norm Formation

used the auto-kinetic effect to study norm development (Kinetic = Motion)

Social Contagions

we are susceptible to the suggestions of others

• Mass Hysteria and Delusions

Chameleon Effect

unconscious mimicry (mimicry = imitate)

Asch's Line Studies

examined influence of group pressure and conformity (“Line vs 3 lines”)

Marketing Conformity

advertisers/marketers use conformity as a persuasion tool

Milgram’s Obedience Studies

examined influence of authority on obedience

Victim Distance

conformity was high when “learners” were in different rooms (Obedience)

Closeness and Legitimacy of Authority

conformity was highest when the “real” researcher was in the room (Obedience)

Institutional Authority

conformity was higher when Yale conducted the study (Obedience)

Effects of Group Influence

conformity was lowered when confederates objected (Obedience)

Behavior and Attitudes

harmful behaviors lead to negative attitudes towards victims

The Power Social Norms

we underestimate conformity pressures

Fundamental Attribution Error

we blame the “teachers” and underestimate the situation

Group Size

conformity increases with group size

Unanimity

group consensus increases conformity

Cohesion

tightly-knit groups elicit more conformity

Status

high status people elicit more conformity

Public Response

responding publicly increases conformity pressures

Prior Commitment

prior commitments decrease conformity

Normative Influence

conforming to gain acceptance and avoid rejection

Bystander Effect

group norms can make us less likely to help others

Informational Influence

conforming as a result of accepting evidence from the group

Traits that Elicit Greater Conformity:

• Agreeableness and Conscientiousness

• Collectivist Cultural Orientation

• Working-Class Social Status

• Social Roles

• Birth Order?

Reactance

motivation to protect or restore personal freedom leads to anti-conformity

Asserting Uniqueness

in western culture we feel better when we are slightly unique while fitting in

• We emphasize our unique traits/skills to others