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29 Dec 2025

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Understanding Social Influence in AQA A-Level Psychology

@cirice

Conformity and obedience are powerful forces that shape how we... Show more

# Conformity: types and explanations
"Initinalisation
"When a person genantly accept the group noms
change in prmace and public opinions Men

Types of Conformity and Social Influence

There are three main ways people conform to group behaviour. Internalisation is the strongest type - you genuinely accept the group's beliefs and change both your public and private opinions permanently. Identification happens when you conform because you value being part of that specific group. Compliance is the weakest form - you go along with others in public but keep your private opinions unchanged.

Two key forces drive conformity in different situations. Informational social influence kicks in when you want to be right - it's a cognitive process where you follow the group because you think they know better. This typically happens in new or unfamiliar situations where you're unsure what to do.

Normative social influence is about wanting to be liked and accepted. It's an emotional process where you follow the group to gain social approval, especially when meeting new people. However, these explanations don't predict conformity in every single case - human behaviour is more complex than simple rules.

Key Point: Understanding why people conform helps you recognise when you might be influenced by others and make more conscious choices about your behaviour.

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Psychology

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29 Dec 2025

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1 page

Understanding Social Influence in AQA A-Level Psychology

@cirice

Conformity and obedience are powerful forces that shape how we behave in groups - from copying what others do to following orders from authority figures. Understanding these psychological processes helps explain everything from peer pressure at school to more extreme... Show more

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Types of Conformity and Social Influence

Key Point: Understanding why people conform helps you recognise when you might be influenced by others and make more conscious choices about your behaviour.

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Stefan S

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Samantha Klich

Android user

Anna

iOS user

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

Thomas R

iOS user

Basil

Android user

David K

iOS user

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

Rohan U

Android user

Xander S

iOS user

Elisha

iOS user

Paul T

iOS user

Stefan S

iOS user

Samantha Klich

Android user

Anna

iOS user

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

Thomas R

iOS user

Basil

Android user

David K

iOS user

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

Rohan U

Android user

Xander S

iOS user

Elisha

iOS user

Paul T

iOS user