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What is Conformity?

Conformity refers to the act of adjusting one’s behaviour, beliefs, or attitudes to align with group norms or social expectations. It plays a crucial role in social influence and can be both positive and negative depending on the context.

What is a Simple Definition of Conformity?

Conformity is when individuals change their behaviour to match the group, either due to social pressure or a desire to fit in.

What is Conformity in Psychology?

In psychology, conformity is the process where people adjust their thoughts or actions to be consistent with group norms. This concept was extensively studied by Solomon Asch in his conformity experiments.

What Best Defines Conformity?

Conformity is best defined as a change in behaviour or belief due to real or imagined group pressure.

Types of Conformity

  1. Compliance – Conforming publicly while privately disagreeing.

  2. Identification – Conforming to establish a relationship with a group.

  3. Internalisation – Conforming both publicly and privately because one genuinely believes in the group’s ideas.

Conformity Examples

  • Fashion Trends: People wear certain styles because they see others doing the same.

  • Classroom Behaviour: Students remain silent when the teacher speaks because that’s the norm.

  • Workplace Etiquette: Employees adopt company dress codes and policies.

Asch’s Conformity Experiment

Solomon Asch’s 1951 study tested how group pressure influences an individual’s decisions. Participants were asked to match line lengths, but confederates (actors) intentionally gave wrong answers. 75% of participants conformed at least once, proving how social influence affects decision-making.

Why Do People Conform?

People conform due to two main reasons:

  1. Normative Social Influence – Conforming to fit in and gain social approval.

  2. Informational Social Influence – Conforming because they believe others have better knowledge.

Is Conformity Good or Bad?

Conformity has both positive and negative effects:

  • Positive: Encourages social harmony, cooperation, and adherence to beneficial norms.

  • Negative: Can lead to peer pressure, loss of individuality, and following harmful norms.

Normative Conformity vs. Informational Conformity

Normative Conformity Informational Conformity
Driven by the need for social acceptance Driven by the need for accurate information
Leads to compliance (temporary change) Leads to internalisation (permanent change)
Example: Dressing in a certain way to fit in Example: Adopting expert opinions on a subject

Download the Social Influence PDF

For a comprehensive revision guide on conformity, including key studies, evaluation points, and exam-style questions, download the Social Influence Digital Interactive Revision Workbook – Yum Yum Mama.

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