Types of Conformity

This page explores the three main types of conformity as identified by Kelman in 1958: compliance, identification, and internalization. These represent different levels of conformity, from superficial to deep-rooted changes in behavior and beliefs.

Compliance is the shallowest form of conformity. It involves changing behavior to gain acceptance or avoid disapproval, even if one doesn't agree internally. This change is often temporary and reverts once group pressure is removed.

Identification is a stronger form of conformity where individuals change their behavior to fit in with a group for a certain period. This can occur in both public and private settings but is often temporary.

Internalization is the deepest form of conformity. It involves changing behavior and opinions because one genuinely believes the majority is right. This leads to both public and private acceptance of group norms and behaviors.

Example: Compliance might be seen when someone pretends to like a popular song in a group setting but doesn't actually enjoy it when alone.

Vocabulary: Internalization - The process of adopting external ideas or attitudes so completely that they become an integral part of one's own beliefs and values.

Explanations for Conformity

This page delves into the Dual Processing Dependency Model by Gerard and Deutsch, which suggests two primary reasons for conformity: the need to be liked and the need to be right. These correspond to two key explanations for conformity in psychological research.

Normative Social Influence (NSI) is based on the desire to be liked and accepted by others. It often results in compliance, where individuals change their behavior publicly to fit in with a group, even if they privately disagree.

Informational Social Influence (ISI) is rooted in the desire to be right, especially in ambiguous situations. This type of influence often leads to internalization, where people genuinely adopt the group's beliefs because they trust the group's judgment.

Definition: Normative Social Influence (NSI) is the tendency to conform to the expectations of others in order to gain social approval and avoid rejection.

Example: A new student observing whether others wear their uniform home on the first day of school is an example of Informational Social Influence in action.

Asch Conformity Experiment

This page introduces the famous Asch conformity experiment, a cornerstone study in social psychology. Conducted by Solomon Asch in 1951, this experiment aimed to examine the extent to which social pressure from a unanimous majority affects conformity in an unambiguous situation.

The study involved 123 male undergraduate students in the USA who believed they were participating in a simple vision test. Asch used a line judgment task, where participants had to match the length of a line to one of three comparison lines.

Key findings from the Asch experiment: • Overall conformity rate was 37% • 5% of participants conformed (gave wrong answers) on all 12 trials • The study demonstrated that even in clear-cut situations, social pressure can lead individuals to conform to incorrect judgments

Highlight: The Asch conformity experiment remains one of the most influential studies in social psychology, demonstrating the power of social influence even in situations where the correct answer is obvious.

Quote: As Asch noted, "The tendency to conformity in our society is so strong that reasonably intelligent and well-meaning young people are willing to call white black."

Page 4: The Asch Conformity Experiment

This section details the landmark Asch conformity experiment, one of the most famous conformity experiments in psychological history.

Highlight: The study revealed a 37% conformity rate, with 5% of participants conforming on all 12 trials.

Example: The experiment used a line judgment task with one real participant among 6-8 confederates.

Quote: "The naive participant was always seated second from last."

Page 5: Critical Evaluation of Asch's Study

This page presents a critical analysis of the Asch conformity experiment, examining its limitations and real-world applications.

Highlight: The study used a biased sample of 123 male American college students, limiting its generalizability.

Example: The artificial nature of the line judgment task may not reflect real-life conformity situations like peer pressure in smoking or drinking.

Social Influence and Conformity: An Overview

This page provides an introduction to the concepts of social influence and conformity in psychology. Social influence and conformity experiments are crucial for understanding human behavior in group settings.

Conformity is defined as the process of yielding to majority influence. As Myers stated, it involves "a change in behavior or belief as a result of real or imagined group pressure." People conform for various reasons, including the desire to fit in, follow social norms, and ensure survival by adhering to group rules.

The psychology specification outlines key areas of study related to conformity: • Types of conformity: Compliance, identification, and internalization • Explanations: Informational and normative social influence
• Variables affecting conformity: Group size, unanimity, task difficulty • Obedience factors: Agentic state, authority legitimacy, proximity • Resistance to social influence: Social support, locus of control • Minority influence and social roles

Definition: Conformity is the tendency to align one's attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors with those of others in a group setting.

Highlight: Understanding conformity is essential for explaining various social phenomena, from fashion trends to political movements.