Types of Conformity:

Compliance - conforming simply because of expectations and with no convictions e.g. a supporter finds themselves in with the wrong fans so starts supporting the wrong team
Identification - conforming with conviction while with a relative group but not while away from them e.g. a gang member who acts 'hard' when with the gang but goes home and does the washing up
Internalisation - conformity with complete conviction e.g. someone who completely converts to a religion

Explanations of Conformity:
Deutsch and Gerard developed a two process theory, arguing that there are two main reasons people conform. They are based on two central human needs; the need to be right and the need to be liked.

Informational Social Influence - conforming so you know what to do. Often we are uncertain about what behaviours/beliefs are right or wrong so people look to others that they think know better and copy them in order to be right e.g. someone at a dinner party looking around to see what knives and forks to use if there is a choice
Normative Social Influence - conforming to be accepted. People do not like to appear foolish and prefer to gain social approval rather than be rejected e.g. wearing a dress/suit to a formal occasion so you don't look odd

	Created by Caitlyn Grayston almost 7 years ago

AS level Psychology (Conformity) Note on Conformity, created by Caitlyn Grayston on 05/12/2017.

Conformity