Psychology Essay Plans (Social Influence)

Kelman- 3 ways in which people conform to a majority

• Internalisation

Geniune acceptance of group norms

Private and public change in opinion/behaviour

• Identification

We value the group therefore conform to opinions/behaviour

Publically change opinions

• Compliance

Going along with others

Results in a superficial change

Deutsch and Gerard- Two-process theory of ISI and NSI

• Informative social influence

We agree with opinion of the majority as we believe it to be correct

It is about what you think therefore its a cognitive process

Typical situations- Ambigious, New people, Crisis

• Normative social influence

We agree with the opinion of the majority to gain social approval 

It is about the norms for a social group therefore its an emotional process

Typical situations- Strangers, Stressful, Friends

Research Support

Lucas- Maths Experiment

Greater conformity to incorrect answers 

Students unsure therefore assumed others would know the answer

Individual Differences

Asch- Line Experiement

Perrin and Spencer- Engineering students

Students less conformist than other participants (28% Asch)

Individual Differences

People in a greater need to be in a relationship with others (affiliation)

More affected by NSI than others

McGhee and Teevan

Research Support

Asch- Line Experiment

When writing answers conformity fell (12.5%)

ISI and NSI together

Deutsch and Gerard- Two-process theory

• Behaviour either because of ISI or NSI

Often both processes can be involved

This casts doubt over view of ISI and NSI operating independantly

Asch- Line Experiment

• Dissenter may reduce the power of NSI

Dissenter provides social support

• Dissenter may reduce power of ISI

There is an alternative source of information