Module 3
Social Psychology - Conformity & Minor Influence
Definition of Conformity
Crutchfield defined conformity as "yielding to group pressure".
Aronson defined conformity as "a change in a person's behaviour or opinions as a result of real or imagined pressure from a person or group of people.
Why do People conform?
INFORMATIONAL INFLUENCES
because they lack information or do not know the answer. People assume that others probably know more than the do. This may apply to the Jenness and Sherif studies.
NORMATIVE INFLUENCES
people want to be accepted as part of the group, don't want to be different. This may apply to the Asch studies.
Types of conformity
Kelman believed there were three types of conformity:
COMPLIANCE
go along even though you don't change your mind, believe the group to be wrong but still conform.
INTERNALISATION
because they become persuaded that the group is right, they change their opinion not just their behaviour.
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