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Understanding ISI and NSI: Conformity Explained for Kids

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Shannon Walker

12/08/2025

Psychology

evaluation sheet on isi and nsi

116

12 Aug 2025

2 pages

Understanding ISI and NSI: Conformity Explained for Kids

Informational and Normative Social Influence in Conformity: A Comprehensive Overview... Show more

A01
A03
1619122
Describe and evaluate informational social influence and normative social influence as
explanations for conformity. Refer to

Research Support for NSI and the Interplay Between ISI and NSI

This page delves deeper into research support for normative social influence (NSI) and explores how ISI and NSI can work together in explaining conformity.

Research support for NSI is evident in studies where participants conform to incorrect answers to fit in with the group. This conformity is reduced when participants write their answers down, suggesting that the fear of social disapproval plays a significant role in NSI-driven conformity.

Example: In studies where participants can write their answers privately, conformity rates decrease, supporting the NSI theory that public compliance is a key factor in conformity.

The document then critiques the original two-process model that suggested conformity had to be either due to ISI or NSI. It argues that both processes can often be involved simultaneously.

Highlight: The presence of a dissenter (non-conforming person) in Asch's conformity experiments reduces the power of both NSI and ISI.

A dissenter provides social support for non-conformity, reducing the power of NSI. Additionally, the dissenter could be correct, which diminishes the influence of ISI by providing an alternative source of information.

Definition: Dissenter - A person who disagrees with or goes against the majority opinion in a group.

This interplay between ISI and NSI challenges the concept of these influences working as separate factors. The document concludes that it is difficult to separate these processes in real-world scenarios, suggesting a more complex model of social influence in conformity.

A01
A03
1619122
Describe and evaluate informational social influence and normative social influence as
explanations for conformity. Refer to

Informational and Normative Social Influence: Definitions and Research Support

This page introduces the concepts of informational social influence (ISI) and normative social influence (NSI) as explanations for conformity. It provides research support for ISI and discusses individual differences in NSI.

Research support for ISI comes from Lucas (2006), who found that students were more likely to conform to incorrect answers on difficult math problems. This supports the ISI theory because when faced with challenging tasks, individuals are more likely to doubt themselves and look to the group for guidance, believing the group to be correct.

Example: In Lucas's study, participants showed higher conformity rates for difficult math problems compared to easy ones, demonstrating the power of ISI in uncertain situations.

The document also addresses individual differences in NSI, particularly focusing on nAffiliators – people with a greater need for affiliation or relationships with others. These individuals are more likely to conform due to NSI to gain acceptance from others.

Highlight: Individual differences in the need for affiliation can affect the strength of NSI, suggesting that the theory may not apply uniformly to all people.

Vocabulary: nAffiliators - Individuals with a high need for affiliation or social connection.

This variation in susceptibility to NSI presents a challenge to the theory, indicating that it may not be as straightforward as initially thought. The effectiveness of NSI as an explanation for conformity may depend on individual personality traits and social needs.



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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Psychology

116

12 Aug 2025

2 pages

Understanding ISI and NSI: Conformity Explained for Kids

Informational and Normative Social Influence in Conformity: A Comprehensive Overview

This document explores the concepts of informational social influence (ISI) and normative social influence (NSI)as explanations for conformity in social psychology. It provides detailed insights into research support, individual... Show more

A01
A03
1619122
Describe and evaluate informational social influence and normative social influence as
explanations for conformity. Refer to

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Research Support for NSI and the Interplay Between ISI and NSI

This page delves deeper into research support for normative social influence (NSI) and explores how ISI and NSI can work together in explaining conformity.

Research support for NSI is evident in studies where participants conform to incorrect answers to fit in with the group. This conformity is reduced when participants write their answers down, suggesting that the fear of social disapproval plays a significant role in NSI-driven conformity.

Example: In studies where participants can write their answers privately, conformity rates decrease, supporting the NSI theory that public compliance is a key factor in conformity.

The document then critiques the original two-process model that suggested conformity had to be either due to ISI or NSI. It argues that both processes can often be involved simultaneously.

Highlight: The presence of a dissenter (non-conforming person) in Asch's conformity experiments reduces the power of both NSI and ISI.

A dissenter provides social support for non-conformity, reducing the power of NSI. Additionally, the dissenter could be correct, which diminishes the influence of ISI by providing an alternative source of information.

Definition: Dissenter - A person who disagrees with or goes against the majority opinion in a group.

This interplay between ISI and NSI challenges the concept of these influences working as separate factors. The document concludes that it is difficult to separate these processes in real-world scenarios, suggesting a more complex model of social influence in conformity.

A01
A03
1619122
Describe and evaluate informational social influence and normative social influence as
explanations for conformity. Refer to

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Informational and Normative Social Influence: Definitions and Research Support

This page introduces the concepts of informational social influence (ISI) and normative social influence (NSI) as explanations for conformity. It provides research support for ISI and discusses individual differences in NSI.

Research support for ISI comes from Lucas (2006), who found that students were more likely to conform to incorrect answers on difficult math problems. This supports the ISI theory because when faced with challenging tasks, individuals are more likely to doubt themselves and look to the group for guidance, believing the group to be correct.

Example: In Lucas's study, participants showed higher conformity rates for difficult math problems compared to easy ones, demonstrating the power of ISI in uncertain situations.

The document also addresses individual differences in NSI, particularly focusing on nAffiliators – people with a greater need for affiliation or relationships with others. These individuals are more likely to conform due to NSI to gain acceptance from others.

Highlight: Individual differences in the need for affiliation can affect the strength of NSI, suggesting that the theory may not apply uniformly to all people.

Vocabulary: nAffiliators - Individuals with a high need for affiliation or social connection.

This variation in susceptibility to NSI presents a challenge to the theory, indicating that it may not be as straightforward as initially thought. The effectiveness of NSI as an explanation for conformity may depend on individual personality traits and social needs.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user