Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Conformity Influencing Behavior - Assignment
Conformity Influencing Behavior - Assignment
Conformity Influencing Behavior - Assignment
GROUP B
Conformity, the tendency to change one’s beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors to match those
of others in a social group, affects human behavior in various ways. Two key factors that
influence conformity are normative social influence, which forces conformity out of a need for
social acceptance, and informational social influence, which encourages conformity based on the
desire for accurate information. Other factors that affect conformity include the authority, the
dissenters, the victim, the person, and the context. Conformity can have various effects on
people’s behavior and attitudes, such as enhancing creativity, problem-solving, and decision-
making, or leading to unethical and harmful behavior. Therefore, it is important to understand
the psychological and social processes that underlie conformity, and how to use it wisely and
ethically in different situations.
Informational social influence is when people follow group norms or actions because
they think the group is more knowledgeable or skilled than they are. It is motivated by people’s
natural desire for truthful information and their logical desire to make wise decisions. To
navigate unclear or uncertain situations, people frequently look to the views and deeds of others
(Cialdini & Goldstein, 2019). According to research by Crandall et al. (2021), cognitive
processes like social comparison are involved in informational social impact. To determine the
veracity of their own conclusions, individuals compare their beliefs or behaviors to those of the
group. When faced with ambiguity, people are prone to follow the crowd’s lead in order to
maximize the likelihood that their decision will be the right one.
Normative social influence is the tendency to conform to group norms and practices to
gain social approval and avoid rejection. It is a key factor in understanding social dynamics, peer
pressure, and human behavior. Researchers are still exploring its importance in many real-world
situations, especially among adolescents. To foster individuality and awareness of how the need
for acceptance affects people’s choices and actions, we need to recognize the role of normative
social influence. It is a strong force for compliance because of the innate human desire for
belonging. People may conform even when they have different opinions, because they fear the
negative consequences of non-conformity, such as social isolation or disapproval. These
psychological processes are related to self-esteem, self-presentation, and social identity.
Conformity occurs when people change their attitudes or behaviors to match the
responses of others, usually due to social pressure or uncertainty (Cialdini and Goldstein, 2004).
There are different types of conformity, such as compliance, identification, and internalization
(Kim and Hommel, 2015). Compliance is when people conform to gain rewards or avoid
punishments, identification is when people conform to be accepted by a group, and
internalization is when people conform because they genuinely agree with the group’s values or
beliefs (Kim and Hommel, 2015).
Conformity is affected by how large and unanimous the group is (Asch, 195; Deutsch and
Gerard, 1955), how unclear and hard the task is (Sherif, 1936; Festinger, 1954), how relevant and
important the issue is (Brehm, 1956; Eagly, 1978), how confident and esteemed the individual
is(Baumeister, 1982; Jones, 1986), and how collectivistic and different the culture is (Bond and
Smith, 1996; Cialdini et al., 1999).
These are some of the main factors that affect conformity, but there may be other
situational and individual variables that also play a role. Conformity is not always negative, as it
can help people cooperate, coordinate, and learn from others. However, conformity can also
hinder creativity, diversity, and critical thinking, especially when it is based on external or
irrational motives. Therefore, it is important to balance the need for social acceptance and the
need for personal authenticity.
Cultural Factors:
The meta-analysis also found that conformity was higher in cultures that were more
feminine, more uncertain, and more power distant. Feminine cultures are those that value
nurturance, cooperation, and quality of life, while masculine cultures are those that value
achievement, competition, and material success. Uncertainty avoidance refers to the degree to
which cultures tolerate ambiguity and uncertainty. Power distance refers to the degree to which
cultures accept unequal distribution of power and status (Bond & Smith, 1996).
Conformity can have both positive and negative consequences, depending on the context
and the outcome. Conformity can help maintain social order, cohesion, and stability, but it can
also hinder creativity, diversity, and innovation. Therefore, it is important to balance the need for
conformity with the need for individuality.
One of the social phenomena that affects human behavior is conformity, which is the
tendency to change one’s behavior or beliefs to match the expectations or norms of a person or
group. Conformity can have various causes and consequences, depending on the context and the
individual. Some of the possible causes of conformity are:
Informational influence: People may conform to the views of others because they
believe that others have more information or expertise than they do (Deutsch and Gerard
1955). For example, a person may conform to the opinions of experts or authorities on a
topic that they are unfamiliar with.
Normative influence: People may conform to the views of others because they want to
fit in, be liked, or avoid rejection (Deutsch and Gerard 1955). For example, a person may
conform to the dress code, language, or values of a group that they want to be part of.
Self-validation: People may conform to the views of others because they want to
maintain a positive self-concept or avoid cognitive dissonance (Cialdini et al. 1999). For
example, a person may conform to the views of their friends or family because they value
their approval or identity.
Loss of individuality: People may lose sight of their own preferences, beliefs, or values
when they conform to the views of others, which may result in a lack of diversity,
creativity, or authenticity. For example, a person may suppress their own opinions or
interests because they fear being different or criticized by others.
Change of attitudes: People may change their own attitudes to match the views of others
when they conform, which may result in a lasting or permanent shift in their beliefs or
judgments. For example, a person may adopt the political or religious views of a group
that they conform to, even after leaving the group.
Impact on behavior: People may act in ways that are inconsistent with their own
attitudes or values when they conform to the views of others, which may result in
negative outcomes or consequences for themselves or others. For example, a person may
engage in risky or unethical behavior because they follow the norms or pressures of a
group that they conform to.
Conformity is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that can have both positive and
negative effects on individuals and society. It is important to understand the causes and
consequences of conformity, as well as the factors that influence it, such as personality, group
dynamics, culture, and situation. By doing so, we can better appreciate the role of conformity in
our lives and make informed decisions about when to conform and when to resist social
influence.
There are different reasons why people conform, depending on their motivation,
situation, and personality. Some of the possible causes of conformity are:
Group size.
Group cohesion.
Cultural differences.
Peer pressure.
Expertise and Status of Group Members.
Personality traits.
Situational characteristics.
TYPES OF CONFORMITY
Normative conformity is when people change their behavior to match the group norms
in order to avoid being rejected or gain approval, even if they do not agree with them
privately. This type of conformity is also called compliance or group acceptance, and it
means publicly agreeing with the majority opinion without necessarily sharing it
privately (Kelman, 1958).
Informational conformity is when people adopt the actions, views, or beliefs of a group
because they think the group has more knowledge or more accurate information. This
type of conformity is driven by the need to be correct or make the best decisions. This
type of conformity is also called internalization or genuine acceptance of group norms,
and it implies both public and private agreement with the group’s values and beliefs
(Kelman, 1958).
Identification conformity is when people incorporate the ideals and norms of a group
into their self-concept and identify with them. This happens when individuals follow the
behaviors, beliefs, or norms of the group. For example, someone who identifies with a
political or religious group may embrace the ideas and practices of the group as part of
their own identity as well as following its views and practices. Since they truly believe in
the group’s ideals, they may act in accordance with them rather than just to fit in. They
sincerely accept the group’s beliefs as their own.
Compliance conformity is when people adjust their actions, attitudes, or beliefs to
conform to the norms of a group or society in order to be accepted by others, avoid social
exclusion, or escape punishment. Even if a person does not agree with the opinions or
activities of the group, this type of conformity is motivated by the need to blend in, win
the group’s approval, or avoid disapproval. This type of conformity is similar to
normative conformity, but it is more superficial and temporary, and it stops when there is
no group pressure to conform (Kelman, 1958). For example when a student skips classes
just to avoid rejection from fellow peers and to gain social approval.
1. Cohesion: This is the extent to which we feel attracted to and want to be part of a social
group. The more cohesive the group is, the more likely we are to follow the group norms.
2. Normative social influence: This occurs when people conform to the group or public in
order to be accepted. Because we are social beings and need relationships, we comply out
of fear of social rejection. We want to feel like we belong, so we often go along with
them and act like them.
3. Informative social influence refers to the need for accurate and current knowledge.
Here, we depend on other people to inform us about various topics in the social world.
This usually happens when we have questions about the content.
4. Group size: Conformity is also high in large groups of people because of the strong
desire for acceptance and respect.
5. Admiration: Some people conform out of admiration for a certain group and a desire to
join it in order to feel important, respected, or to improve their self-esteem.
6. Social Expectations: People also conform to meet social expectations. The desire to
contribute as much as others motivates them.
Strategy is the art of influencing others in various situations, depending on the goals and
motives of the actors. Social influence is the outcome of using strategy, which can have positive
or negative effects. There are different methods of influencing others, such as persuasion,
compliance, obedience, competition, conflict and consistency. Persuasion is the skill of
convincing others to change their views or actions by using arguments, facts, or appeals.
Persuasion is based on six principles of influence: reciprocity, scarcity, authority, consistency,
liking, and social proof. These principles explain how people are more likely to comply with
someone who is generous, credible, consistent, likable, or popular. However, persuasion should
be used ethically and not for harming or deceiving others.
Persuasion:
Persuasion is a social influence skill that involves convincing others to change their
views, actions, or attitudes through communication. It involves principles like reciprocity,
scarcity, authority, consistency, liking, and social proof. Successful persuasion requires
credibility, attractiveness, positive features, emotional appeals, and audience characteristics. The
biblical view of persuasion emphasizes truth, love, and respect, aiming to help others grow in
faith and obedience to God. Christians should be discerning and critical of false messages,
relying on God's word and Spirit for guidance and protection. This approach acknowledges the
paradox of human nature and the influence of both positive and negative forces.
Authority:
Authority can be used to achieve goals such as compliance, conformity, or social change.
It can increase compliance through rewards, punishments, or threats, increase conformity by
establishing and enforcing social norms and rules, and promote social change by challenging
existing norms and values. However, authority is not always effective or ethical. It can be
challenged, resisted, or rejected by targets, especially if they perceive it as illegitimate, unjust, or
incompetent. Additionally, authority can be abused, misused, or corrupted by sources of
influence, especially if they have self-serving motives or disregard others' rights.
Therefore, authority is a complex and powerful strategy in social influence that can have
both positive and negative outcomes. It can be influenced by various factors, such as the
situation, personality, and relationship between sources and targets. From a Biblical perspective,
authority should be exercised with humility, love, and service, reflecting God's character and
will. Christians should respond to authority with respect for human dignity while being aware of
potential corruption and manipulation.
Compliance:
Christian theology, on the other hand, offers a distinctive view of human persons as
created in God’s image for relationship with God and others (Hoekema, 1986). This view has
implications for how we understand social influence, such as compliance. compliance can be
seen as a way of fulfilling our relational nature and expressing our love for God and others
(Keller, 2012). However, she also warns that compliance can be misused or abused by those who
seek to manipulate or exploit others for selfish purposes (Keller, 2012).
Affiliation:
Cialdini and Goldstein (2004) suggest that affiliation is one of the three fundamental
goals that motivate human behavior, along with accuracy and maintaining a positive self-
concept. They argue that people are influenced by others who share their values, beliefs, or
identities, or who offer them social support, approval, or belonging. Affiliation can also reduce
uncertainty and conflict in social situations, and increase compliance and conformity.
Sabates (2012) integrates the empirical and theoretical literature of social psychology
with the framework of creation, fall, and redemption, and proposes that affiliation can be
distorted by sin, leading to prejudice, discrimination, or violence. She also suggests that through
Christ the intrinsic relational nature of humans can enable them to love God and their neighbors
as themselves.
Obedience:
Another form of social influence is obedience to authority, which means following the
orders or requests of a legitimate authority figure. Various factors affect how willing people are
to obey authority, such as the authority figure’s legitimacy, the existence of dissenters, the
distance between the authority and the victim, the obedient person’s personal traits, and the
situational context (Blass, 1999). The famous experiments of Stanley Milgram (1963) and Philip
Zimbardo (1973) showed how obedience to authority can result in unethical and harmful
behavior, such as giving electric shocks to innocent learners or mistreating prisoners in a fake
jail. These experiments also revealed how one’s worldview, values, and beliefs can influence
obedience to authority, and how a Christian viewpoint can provide a different way of
comprehending and reacting to authority (Berkowitz, 2011). Sabates (2012) states that,
“obedience to authority is not always negative, but it requires discernment, critical thinking, and
moral courage to resist unjust or immoral commands” (p. 121).
Competition: involves striving to achieve a goal or resource that others also want, which can
affect people's behavior and thinking. It can enhance performance by making people work
harder, faster, or better, especially when there is a clear goal, feedback, and reward. However,
competition can also reduce cooperation, especially when there is a conflict of interest, scarcity
of resources, or zero-sum outcomes. Employees may withhold information or sabotage
colleagues when competing for promotions or bonuses. Additionally, competition can increase
aggression, especially when faced with frustration, threat, or provocation. Therefore, it is
recommended to instill ethical principles for using competition, such as balancing it with
cooperation, promoting fairness and respect, and considering the situation and outcome. This
will reduce aggression, increase cooperation, and give merit where due (Kim and Fishbach,
2023).
Conflict: – is a way of influencing others by using power, threats, or coercion to get what one
wants at the expense of others (Britannica, n.d.). Conflict can have positive or negative effects,
depending on how it is handled and solved. Good conflict can improve creativity, problem-
solving, decision-making, understanding, and respect, while bad conflict can harm relationships,
trust, cooperation, and peace. Conflict can be divided into four stages: initiation, escalation,
resolution, and reconciliation (Bartos and Wehr, 2002). Initiation is when the conflict starts
because of different goals, interests, values, or beliefs. Escalation is when the conflict gets worse
and more emotional and personal.
Another example is a salesperson may use consistency to persuade a customer by asking them to
sign a petition for a cause they support, and then suggesting that they buy a product that is
related to the cause (Guéguen, 2003).
Consistency can also be a moral virtue, especially for Christians, who are called to be consistent
with God’s will and character by obeying his commandments, following his guidance, and
imitating his attributes of love, truth, and grace. This means showing compassion, honesty, and
forgiveness to others, regardless of the circumstances (Colossians 3:12-17). However, a Christian
should not be consistent with legalism, hypocrisy, or judgment by imposing rigid rules,
pretending to be righteous, or condemning others (Matthew 23:1-36).
In conclusion, we have seen how conformity influences people’s behavior in various ways, and
what are the possible reasons and outcomes of conformity. Conformity can be beneficial or
harmful depending on the situation and the motivation behind it, and that people should be aware
of the causes and consequences of their behavior. Conformity is a complex and diverse social
phenomenon that can have both positive and negative effects on people’s behavior, depending on
the context and the motivation. However, conformity can also be harmful if it leads to blind
obedience, separation, or loss of individuality. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of the
factors that affect conformity and the potential consequences of conforming or not conforming to
others.
References:
Aronson, E., Wilson, T. D., & Akert, R. M. (2018). Social Psychology (10th ed.). Pearson.
Baumeister, R. F., & Leary, M. R. (1995). The need to belong: Desire for interpersonal
attachments as a fundamental human motivation. Psychological Bulletin, 117(3), 497-
529.
Blass, T. (1999). The Milgram paradigm after 35 years: Some things we now know about
Hogg & D. L. Blaylock (Eds.), Extremism and the psychology of uncertainty (pp. 133–
150). Wiley-Blackwell.
Branscombe, N. R., & Baron, R. A. (2017). Social Psychology, Boston, MA: Pearson
International. 508.
Cialdini, R. B., & Cialdini, R. B., PhD PhD. (1993). Influence (rev): The Psychology of
Cialdini, R. B., & Goldstein, N. J. (2004a). Social influence: compliance and conformity. Annual
https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.psych.55.090902.142015
Freedman, J. L., & Fraser, S. C. (1966). Compliance without pressure: The foot-in-the-door
Fujii, S. (2016). Strategies for solving social dilemmas: Structural strategy and psychological
https://opentext.wsu.edu/social-psychology/chapter/module-6-persuasion/
Milgram, S. (1963). Behavioral study of obedience. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology,
67(4), 371–378.
https://www.verywellmind.com/things-you-should-know-about-social-psychology-
2795903
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-obedience-2795894
https://books.google.com/books/about/Social_Psychology_Global_Edition.html?id=-
5cHDgAAQBAJ
With special reference to the Stanford prison experiment. Cognition, 2(2), 243–256.