8: Conformity

Question	Answer
Define conformity	A change in person's behaviour or opinions as a result of perceived pressure from individuals of a similar status. Requirement to conform is often implicit. Participants deny conformity has affected their behaviour.
Describe the bystander effect and diffusion of responsibility	- Kitty Genovese = diffusion of responsibility - Participants witness someone having an epileptic seizure - Participants witness smoke pouring through the air vent
Describe and understand Asch's examination of majority influence	- Groups of confederates and one participant. Asked to compare line lengths.
Describe factors that affect majority influence	1) Unanimity: strength of consensus 2) Commitment: subjects who had shown experimenter their private judgement were much less likely to change it to conform 3) Accountability: low conformity when having to justify reasoning 4) Individual differences: low-self esteem more likely to conform (also task-specific self-esteem) 5) Culture: conformity higher in "collectivist" countries than "individualistic" 6) Group pressure: group is more likely to induce conformance when it consists of experts or people who are important to an individual.
What is informational influence	The need to be right
What is normative influence	The need to be liked

Resource summary

	Created by Cornelia C over 5 years ago