How can normative social influence be used as an explanation of conformity?

People tend to agree with the opinion of the majority, or behave in a similar way to the majority, in order to gain acceptance and approval, and avoid rejection. An example of this is the Asch experiment, where participants were asked to choose the line with the same length as a line they were already shown, after hearing other 'participants' who were actually confederates choosing the wrong line. On average, one third of participants conformed, showing that the power of social pressure in influencing behaviour. The degree to which people are influenced by social norms differs between individuals. This can depend on how much people want to be liked and accepted by others, and by how confident they are in themselves. Another explanation for conformity could be informational influence, which is where people agree with majority of the group because they believe they are more informed than themselves.

TC
Answered by Tarn C. Psychology tutor

2395 Views

See similar Psychology A Level tutors

Related Psychology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain one theory of the Behaviourist Approach.


Why would you use a stratified sample of participants when carrying out a study?


Explain what is meant my validity and reliability


How can I improve my AO2/AO3 marks?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences