1.1 - Conformity

1.1 - Conformity

Social Influence

Types of Conformity:

Compliance:

• Publically conforming to the behaviour or views of others in a group, but privately maintaining one's own views
• Going along with the group for their approval or to avaoid their disapproval
• 'Fitting in' as seen as desirable

Identification:

• Publically and privately conforming to the behaviour or views of others in a group because one wants to be associated with the group
• Elements of both compliance and internalisation:
  • Accepting the attitudes as 'right'
  • But the purpose is to be accepted as a member of the group

Internalisation:

• Both publicly and privately conforming to the behaviour or views of others in a group
• Going along with the group because they think they are right
• Leads to acceptance of the groups view point i.e. internalising the view point

Explanations for Conformity:

Normative Social Influence:

• Occurs when people conform so as to be part of the majority and not stand out
• It comes from a desire to be liked
• It often, but not always, ends in compliance

Supporting Research:

• Asch - those who maintained private opinion but went along with the group
• Asch's Variations - Unanimity: Conformity decreased…