Topic Summaries

Explanations of conformity

A-Level > Psychology > AQA > A-Level Psychology Topic Summaries > Social influence > Explanations of conformity
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Addiction

  • Compliance: to conform with the majority publicly for acceptance or approval whilst disagreeing privately. Our adopted opinions only last as long as we are with the majority group.
  • Internalisation: a type of conformity where we take on the views and attitudes of the majority group because we agree that they are correct. We agree both publicly and privately.
  • Normative social influence: occurs when an individual conforms to norms of the majority even if they privately disagree. This is because as humans we have a biological fear of rejection and a fundamental need for social approval. The need to ‘fit in’ to avoid being viewed as an ‘outcast’ is an emotional response.
  • Informational social influence: occurs when an individual conforms because they are unsure in a situation. We look to others who we believe are more certain of the situation to guide us. This explanation of conformity is driven by a biological need to be right and is a cognitive response.

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