Strengths and Limitations of NSI and ISI as Explanations for Conformity
This page delves deeper into the strengths and limitations of Normative Social Influence (NSI) and Informational Social Influence (ISI) as explanations for conformity, which is crucial for AQA A level Psychology topic essays on Psychopathology.
Limitations of ISI
Individual differences affect the impact of ISI:
Highlight: Education levels can influence susceptibility to ISI, with students showing less conformity in Asch's study.
This limitation suggests that ISI may not apply equally to all individuals, particularly those with different educational backgrounds or opportunities.
Limitations of NSI
Personal values and priorities can affect the influence of NSI:
Example: Environmental activists may be less affected by NSI due to their strong personal convictions.
This demonstrates that NSI is not a universal explanation for conformity, as some individuals prioritize their beliefs over social approval.
Strength of ISI: Research Support
ISI is supported by research evidence:
Example: A study showed students were more likely to conform to incorrect answers on difficult math problems, especially if they rated their math ability as poor.
This research supports ISI's prediction that people conform in situations where they feel uncertain or lack confidence in their own knowledge.
Vocabulary: Social facilitation - The tendency for people to perform better on simple tasks when in the presence of others.
Understanding these strengths and limitations is essential for answering Social influence 16 markers AQA A level Psychology questions effectively. It demonstrates the complexity of conformity and the need to consider multiple factors when explaining social influence processes.
