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Updated Mar 24, 2026
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Understanding ISI and NSI: Conformity Explained for Kids
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 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.
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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Basil
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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
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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
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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
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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. 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 Knowunity AI. 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
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
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 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.
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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?
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Most popular content: Normative Social Influence
Most popular content in Psychology
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5
App Store
4.7/5
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 Knowunity AI. 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 Knowunity AI. 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