Social Influence
Types of and Explanations for conformity
A01
Kelman (1958) says that there are 3 levels/types of conformity:
1. Compliance- conforms publicly but not private
2. Identification- conforms publicly somewhat private
3. Internalisation- conforms both publicly and privately
Explanations of Conformity:
Informational Social Influence (ISI): If correct behaviour is uncertain, we look to the
majority for guidance on how to behave because we want to be correct. ISI results in
internalisation (permanent).
Informational Social Influence (ISI): If correct behaviour is uncertain, we look to the
majority for guidance on how to behave because we want to be correct. ISI results
in internalisation (permanent).
Normative Social Influence (NSI): When the individual wants to appear normal and
be one of the majority, so they are approved, not rejected. NSI in compliance,
(superficial/temporary)
A03
Asch (1951) When given an unambiguous line length test with confederates
choosing the incorrect response, participants gave the incorrect response on 32%
Social Influence 1
, of trails. When interviewed, participants suggested they conformed to avoid
rejection from the group (majority). Providing evidence for NSI.
Jenness (1932) who asked participants first alone, then in groups, then make a
second guess alone the number of beans in a jar. (ambiguous task, no obvious
correct answer). Individuals second private guess moved closer to the group guess
(women were more conformist). Providing evidence for ISI.
There is evidence some people are more able to resist social pressures to conform
such as locus of control
In many cases of real-life conformity there is an overlap between ISI and NSI
Variables affecting conformity
AO1
Asch 1951: Participants were asked to take part in a "visual perception task" and
tested with 7-9 confederates had to guess which lined matched the standard card
1st card had a standard line
2nd had three comparison lines
One the same length as the standard line.
The group was asked on 18 trials which comparison line was the same as the
standard
On 12 'critical' trails confederates gave wrong answers.
Results:
Conformity was 32%
0.04% in control group.
75% conformed at least once
5% all 12 times.
Social Influence 2
Types of and Explanations for conformity
A01
Kelman (1958) says that there are 3 levels/types of conformity:
1. Compliance- conforms publicly but not private
2. Identification- conforms publicly somewhat private
3. Internalisation- conforms both publicly and privately
Explanations of Conformity:
Informational Social Influence (ISI): If correct behaviour is uncertain, we look to the
majority for guidance on how to behave because we want to be correct. ISI results in
internalisation (permanent).
Informational Social Influence (ISI): If correct behaviour is uncertain, we look to the
majority for guidance on how to behave because we want to be correct. ISI results
in internalisation (permanent).
Normative Social Influence (NSI): When the individual wants to appear normal and
be one of the majority, so they are approved, not rejected. NSI in compliance,
(superficial/temporary)
A03
Asch (1951) When given an unambiguous line length test with confederates
choosing the incorrect response, participants gave the incorrect response on 32%
Social Influence 1
, of trails. When interviewed, participants suggested they conformed to avoid
rejection from the group (majority). Providing evidence for NSI.
Jenness (1932) who asked participants first alone, then in groups, then make a
second guess alone the number of beans in a jar. (ambiguous task, no obvious
correct answer). Individuals second private guess moved closer to the group guess
(women were more conformist). Providing evidence for ISI.
There is evidence some people are more able to resist social pressures to conform
such as locus of control
In many cases of real-life conformity there is an overlap between ISI and NSI
Variables affecting conformity
AO1
Asch 1951: Participants were asked to take part in a "visual perception task" and
tested with 7-9 confederates had to guess which lined matched the standard card
1st card had a standard line
2nd had three comparison lines
One the same length as the standard line.
The group was asked on 18 trials which comparison line was the same as the
standard
On 12 'critical' trails confederates gave wrong answers.
Results:
Conformity was 32%
0.04% in control group.
75% conformed at least once
5% all 12 times.
Social Influence 2
