7. Conformity and Obedience

1. Definition of Conformity

  • Conformity: A change in behavior or belief due to real or imagined group pressure.

    • Types of Conformity:

      • Compliance: Publicly acting in accordance with a request while disagreeing privately.

      • Obedience: Following a direct order or command.

      • Acceptance: Acting and believing in accordance with social pressure.

2. Classic Theories of Conformity

2.1 Sherif’s Studies of Norm Formation

  • Phenomenon: Autokinetic effect, where a stationary point of light appears to move.

  • Applications:

    • Social Contagion: Suggestibility to behaviors (e.g., coughing, laughing).

    • Mass Hysteria: Problems spreading through a large group.

    • Chameleon Effect: Natural mimicry elicits liking among individuals.

2.2 Asch’s Studies of Group Pressure

  • Experiment Results:

    • 37% of respondents confirmed the wrong answer due to group pressure with a standard line against comparison lines.

2.3 Milgram’s Obedience Experiments

  • Study Details:

    • Focus on the effects of punishment on learning.

    • Voltage shocks ranged from 15-450 volts, with varying intensity descriptions.

    • Commands to continue escalated in authority.

Milgram's Obedience Experiments concluded that ordinary people are capable of committing harm to others when instructed by an authority figure. This highlighted the influence of situational factors in determining behavior, suggesting that people may act against their own conscience under pressure from perceived authority.

  • Replications:

    • A 2006 study by Burger found increased disobedience compared to Milgram's original findings.

2.4 Factors Influencing Obedience

  • Victim’s Distance: Higher compliance when the 'teacher' cannot see the 'student.'

  • Closeness & Legitimacy of Authority: Decreased obedience when commands come via phone or from perceived lower authority.

  • Institutional Authority: Studies at respected institutions led to higher conformity than less prestigious settings.

3. Predictors of Conformity

3.1 Group Size

  • Conformity is strongest in groups of 3-5 individuals.

3.2 Unanimity

  • Presence of one nonconforming individual can encourage others to voice their opinions.

3.3 Cohesion

  • Greater cohesion in a group leads to stronger influence on members.

3.4 Status

  • Higher-status individuals typically have a greater impact on conformity.

3.5 Public Response

  • People are more likely to conform when responses are public rather than private.

4. Reasons for Conformity

  • Deutsch & Gerard (1955): Identified two motives for group belonging:

    • Normative Influence: Desire for acceptance; conformity to meet group expectations.

    • Informational Influence: Acceptance of evidence from others; results in private acceptance of others' influence.

5. Characteristics of Those Who Conform

5.1 Personality

  • Weak predictor of behavior; situational influences play a more significant role.

5.2 Culture

  • Variance in conformity levels across cultures:

    • Collectivist cultures demonstrate higher responsiveness to social influence.

5.3 Social Roles

  • Conformity to societal expectations is significant when stepping into new roles.

6. Being Different

Reasons to NOT Conform:

  • Reactance: Desire to protect or restore freedom.

  • Asserting Uniqueness: Discomfort with being either too different or exactly alike, especially in individualistic cultures.

Questions and Reflection

  • Quote: "The opposite for courage is not cowardice, it is conformity. Even a dead fish can go with the flow.” – Jim Hightower