Explain two types conformity.

Conformity, or majority influence, is a form of social influence whereby a person or groups behaviour/attitudes are changed to fall in line with the social norms or values of the majority, even when there is no direct request to do so. It can result from real or imagined pressure.

The most superficial type of conformity is compliance. When complying, an individual conforms publically to avoid social disapproval, but maintains their own private opinion. When they have left the situation they revert to their former behaviour/attitude that they privately hold. The deepest and most powerful type of conformity is internalisation. Internalisation involves a permanent change in the individuals behaviour/attitudes, and results from the views being internalised: the individual is persuaded away from their previous view/behaviour and adopts a new one which becomes part of their own value system.

HA

Related Psychology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Outline two explanations for obedience 6 marks


Explain the process of classical conditioning with reference to a child's attachment to their parent


How can I remember all of the ethical guidelines involved in psychological research?


John is in his twenties and has a phobia of animals ever since he was bitten by a dog in his teenage years. Seeing pets causes John extreme anxiety and he goes out his way to avoid contact with animals. How might Behaviourism explain John's phobia?