Discuss normative and informational social influence.

Normative social influence occurs when an individual goes along with the majority because they don't want to be excluded from the group. This occurs due to compliance as people are scared of being rejected. For example a teenager may smoke along with their friends to be a part of it and look cool. 

Informational social influence is when an individual actually believes the facts and  information given by the majority because people believe that others have more information than we do.  This occurs due to internalisation where the individual strongly hold the opinions of the majority and believe them to be correct. For example during elections people may discuss various of candidates, this could lead a person to believe that others know more.

LK
Answered by Lovejot K. Psychology tutor

6667 Views

See similar Psychology A Level tutors

Related Psychology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How can I improve my grade when writing a psychology essay?


How do I remember the difference between an independent variable and a dependent variable?


Discuss the extent to which Psychology can be considered a science, using core studies to back up your answer.


Give two examples of an insecure-avoidant attachment type (2 marks)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning