Evaluate Conformity Essay

Evaluate research on conformity to group norms. (22 mark)

Conformity is a type of social influence in which individuals change their behaviour to adapt to social norms. There are two types of conformity. One is private conformity, you think that the behaviours of the group are correct so you adapt to the norm. In public conformity, you think that the behaviours of the group are not correct but you feel social pressure. You only conform when you are involved in a group.

Asch carried out a study in order to see if a social pressure causes a person to conform. In the first experiment Asch asks a question to the participants. He shows them a card which has a picture of a line. (e.g 3 cm) Then he shows them other cards which have lines ABC in different lengths. He asks them to choose the line which is the same with the first card. In this experiment the participants are

This is an example of normative influence. Normative influence means our conformity to the expectations of the

This is an example of informational influence. Since this is a lab experiment as well as Asch's experiment they have strengths and weakness. Both studies were very usefull in understanding conformity. Asch's experiment helped us to understand how normative influence cause conformity. Sherif's experiment helps us to understand how informational influence causes conformity and how social norms can develop and be internalized. Both studies can be applied to real life situations. They are useful in explaining classroom behaviour group desicion making and many social behaviours. But these studies ignore individual in conformity. People who have low self esteem, feelings of low status, high need for social support and high anxiety are more likely to