Overview
This lecture explores the types and principles of conformity in social psychology, focusing on why people conform, the mechanisms behind conformity, and the factors that influence conforming behaviors.
Types and Mechanisms of Conformity
- Conformity occurs both actively (intentional influence) and passively (unconscious imitation).
- Imitation, or mimicry, is a subtle form of conformity where people unconsciously copy others' behaviors.
- Being mimicked increases liking and positive feelings towards the person imitating us.
Informational Social Influence
- Informational social influence is conforming because we believe others have accurate information.
- Often occurs in ambiguous situations, leading to real, lasting changes in beliefs (private acceptance).
- People look to others for guidance when uncertain, using social comparison.
Normative Social Influence
- Normative social influence happens when we conform to be liked or accepted by a group.
- Leads to public compliance (outward conformity) without necessarily changing private beliefs.
- Social norms (accepted behaviors in specific contexts) drive normative conformity.
- Behaviors started for normative reasons may later lead to genuine belief changes.
Majority and Minority Influence
- Majority influence: when most group members' beliefs prevail, producing conformity.
- Sherif's study showed group norms form in ambiguous situations and persist over time.
- Asch's experiments revealed people conform even when the correct answer is obvious—highlighting normative influence.
- Minority influence: a smaller group can influence the majority if they are consistent and unanimous.
- Consistent minorities can create real attitude change and stimulate deeper, more creative thinking in the majority.
Situational Variables Affecting Conformity
- As the size of the majority increases, conformity also increases, but with diminishing returns after about six people.
- Unanimity is critical: even one dissenter sharply reduces conformity.
- Task importance and difficulty interact: people conform less when tasks are easy and important, but more when tasks are hard and important.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Conformity — Aligning attitudes or behaviors with those of a group.
- Imitation/Mimicry — Unconscious copying of another's behavior.
- Informational Social Influence — Conforming to others for accurate information.
- Normative Social Influence — Conforming to be accepted or avoid rejection.
- Social Norms — Shared expectations about appropriate behavior.
- Private Acceptance — Genuine belief/change following conformity.
- Public Compliance — Outward conformity without internal agreement.
- Majority Influence — Influence from the larger group.
- Minority Influence — Influence from a smaller, consistent group.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Reflect: Describe a time you conformed and analyze which type of influence (informational/normative) was at play.
- Practice: Consider strategies to use if you are the only dissenter in a group (e.g., maintain consistency, seek allies).