Outline and evaluate explanations of conformity. (Total 8 marks)

Model Answer:

One explanation of conformity is informational social influence (ISI), which occurs when individuals conform because they believe others have the correct information. This is a cognitive process, typically happening in ambiguous situations or when individuals lack knowledge, as they rely on others for guidance. For example, copying a classmate’s answers during a difficult task reflects ISI. Another explanation is normative social influence (NSI), which occurs when individuals conform to gain social approval or avoid rejection. This is an emotional process, often seen when someone changes their behaviour to fit in with a group, such as laughing at jokes they do not find funny to be accepted.

One strength of these explanations is their empirical support from research. (Point) For example, Asch’s study demonstrated NSI, as participants conformed to incorrect answers to avoid group disapproval, even when they knew the answers were wrong. (Because) This supports the validity of NSI as an explanation for conformity, highlighting the role of social approval in influencing behaviour. (Why) However, Asch’s findings lack ecological validity, as the artificial line-judgment task does not reflect real-world conformity scenarios. (Counterargument) This limits the applicability of the research to everyday situations, where social pressure may be more complex.

A limitation of these explanations is that they do not account for individual differences in conformity. (Point) Some people, such as those with higher confidence or independence, are less likely to conform due to ISI or NSI. (Because) This is problematic because it suggests that the explanations are not universal and fail to consider personality traits that influence conformity. (Why) However, these explanations remain valuable for understanding general patterns of behaviour, especially in group settings where social influence is more pronounced. (Counterargument)