Briefly explain two explanations as to why people may conform (5)

Conformity is a type of social influence involving a change in belief or behavior in order to fit in with a group. There are two main explanations for why people may conform. The first is Normative conformity, this is yielding to group pressure because a person wants to fit in with the group and be liked. This type of conformity usually involves compliance where a person publicly accepts the views of a group but privately rejects them. The second explanation to why people conform is because of informational conformity, this usually occurs when a person lacks knowledge and looks to the group for guidance. This type of conformity usually involves internalization where a person accepts the views of the groups and adopts them as an individual. 

PB

Related Psychology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Discuss one strength and one limitation of the biological approach (4 marks)


Explain what is meant by the term 'correlation coefficient' ?


What is a type 1 error? Explain why psychologists use the significance level of 0.05 in research (3 marks)


Suggest 2 evaluation points for Milgrams original obedience study.