Overview
This lecture examines conformity in social psychology, exploring why people align their behaviors and beliefs with group norms through normative and informational influences.
What is Conformity?
- Conformity is the tendency to adopt the actions and attitudes of those around us.
- Everyday choices in fashion, music, and even opinions are influenced by the people with whom we interact.
Causes of Conformity
- Humans have an automatic tendency to mimic others' behaviors unconsciously.
- Mimicry helps social interactions flow smoothly and fosters connection between people.
- Two main reasons for conformity: normative influence and informational influence.
Normative Influence
- Normative influence occurs when people conform to be liked or accepted by a group.
- Fear of standing out or being criticized motivates people to fit in.
- Conformity can provide social rewards like camaraderie and compliments.
Asch's Conformity Study
- Participants conformed to incorrect group judgments about line lengths due to group pressure.
- Asch effect: majority group influences individual judgment, even when the answer is obvious.
Factors Affecting Conformity (from Asch’s studies)
- Size of Majority: More people increase conformity up to a limit (about seven).
- Presence of Dissenter: If just one other person disagrees, conformity drops significantly.
- Public vs. Private Response: Public responses lead to more conformity than private ones.
Informational Influence
- Informational influence happens when people use others as a source of information for correct behavior.
- People follow descriptive norms—how most people behave—especially in unclear situations.
- Example: Hotel guests reused towels more when told most guests do the same.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Conformity — Adapting behaviors or beliefs to match those of a group.
- Normative Influence — Conforming to be liked or accepted by others.
- Informational Influence — Conforming because others are seen as a source of information.
- Asch Effect — Group majority's influence on an individual’s judgment.
- Descriptive Norms — Typical behaviors exhibited by most people in a situation.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Watch assigned videos on Asch’s conformity study.
- Review examples of both normative and informational influence.