Join us as a Seller Explanations For Conformity Revision Worksheet Model Answers – Yum Yum Mama

Explanations For Conformity Revision Worksheet Model Answers

01. Explanations for Conformity: Informational and Normative Social Influence

Explanation for conformity:

  1. Informational Social Influence (ISI): This occurs when individuals conform because they want to be correct. It typically happens in ambiguous situations where people are unsure about what to do, so they look to others for guidance.
    Example: A student in a new class observes others to determine the correct behaviour, such as raising their hand before speaking.

  2. Normative Social Influence (NSI): This occurs when individuals conform to be liked or accepted by others. People follow group norms to gain social approval or avoid rejection.
    Example: Laughing at a joke you don’t find funny because everyone else is laughing.

02. What is the Evidence?

Research study for ISI:
Sherif (1935) conducted a study using the autokinetic effect, where participants were asked to estimate the movement of a stationary light in a dark room. When participants were placed in groups, their estimates converged, demonstrating ISI as individuals relied on others for guidance in an ambiguous situation.

Research study for NSI:
Asch (1951) conducted a line judgment task where participants conformed to the incorrect answers of confederates in 37% of trials. This shows NSI as participants conformed to avoid rejection or gain social approval, despite knowing the correct answer.

03. Fill in the Gaps (Evaluation Passage)

The 'two-process' approach proposed by Deutsch and Gerard (1955), which explains conformity as occurring due to either normative social influence or informational social influence, has often been criticised as both processes can be involved at the same time.

For example, people might want to be right (informational social influence) because they think that everyone will disapprove of them if they give a wrong answer (normative social influence).

It has also been found that normative and informational social influence do not affect everyone in the same way. For example, research by McGhee and Teevan (1967) found that people who were less concerned about being liked were less affected by social influence than those who cared more about being liked and had a greater need for affiliation.

04. Apply Your Knowledge (Application Question)

Jake's Behaviour:
Jake’s behaviour can be explained by both informational social influence (ISI) and normative social influence (NSI). At the sports club, Jake observes what others are doing to ensure he is acting correctly, such as following teammates to the main training session (ISI). Before attending the social event, he asks about what others are wearing to avoid standing out and to fit in with the group (NSI).

05. Model Essay: Discuss Explanations for Conformity (16 Marks)

Conformity is explained by two main processes: informational social influence (ISI) and normative social influence (NSI). ISI occurs when individuals conform to be correct, particularly in ambiguous situations where they are unsure of the correct answer. People rely on others whom they perceive as more knowledgeable or competent. Sherif (1935) demonstrated ISI in his autokinetic effect study, where participants’ estimates of light movement converged in group settings, showing that individuals rely on others for guidance in uncertain situations.

NSI occurs when individuals conform to gain acceptance or avoid rejection by the group. This involves compliance, where people publicly agree with the group’s behaviour or opinions while privately disagreeing. Asch’s (1951) line judgment study illustrated NSI, as participants conformed to incorrect answers provided by confederates to avoid standing out, even when the correct answer was obvious. Deutsch and Gerard’s two-process model suggests that ISI and NSI can operate simultaneously, as individuals may conform to be both correct and accepted.

A key strength of ISI is the strong research support provided by Sherif’s (1935) study. (Point) In Sherif’s study, participants were placed in groups and asked to estimate the movement of a stationary light in a dark room. Over time, their estimates converged, demonstrating that individuals conformed to gain guidance in ambiguous situations. (Because) This provides empirical evidence for ISI, showing that people rely on others’ judgments to reduce uncertainty. (Why) However, Sherif’s study lacks ecological validity, as estimating light movement in a dark room does not reflect real-life decision-making. (Counterargument)

Another strength of the two-process model is the research support for NSI provided by Asch’s (1951) study. (Point) Asch found that participants conformed to the group’s incorrect answers in 37% of critical trials, even though the task was unambiguous. This demonstrates the influence of social approval on conformity, as participants wanted to avoid standing out or being rejected. (Because) The findings provide clear evidence of NSI as a key explanation for conformity. (Why) However, Asch’s study may lack temporal validity, as societal norms and values around conformity have changed since the 1950s, potentially reducing the applicability of these findings today. (Counterargument)

One limitation of the two-process model is that it does not account for individual differences in conformity. (Point) For example, research by McGhee and Teevan (1967) found that individuals with a high need for affiliation are more likely to conform than those less concerned about social approval. (Because) This suggests that NSI does not affect everyone equally and highlights the importance of dispositional factors in determining conformity. (Why) However, ISI and NSI remain valuable for explaining group behaviours, particularly in structured situations where social approval or guidance is sought. (Counterargument)

Another limitation is that the two-process model overlooks the role of cultural influences in conformity. (Point) Bond and Smith (1996) found higher rates of conformity in collectivist cultures, such as those in Asia, compared to individualistic cultures like the USA. Collectivist cultures prioritise group harmony, making individuals more likely to conform. (Because) This shows that conformity is not solely explained by ISI or NSI but is also shaped by cultural values. (Why) However, despite these cultural differences, the two-process model still provides a strong foundation for understanding conformity in Western societies, where much of the research has been conducted. (Counterargument)

 

Check out the 

Social Influence with the Yum Yum Mama Interactive Revision Workbook