Conformity Ch 2 What is conformity 0 Conformity

Conformity Ch 2

What is conformity? 0 Conformity is the tendency to adjust one’s thoughts, feelings, or behavior in ways that are in agreement with those of a particular individual or group, or with accepted standards about how a person should behave in specific situations (social norms).

The Asch Study 0 Solomon Asch 1951 Conformity Study 0 https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Ny. DDy. T 1 l. Dh. A

When are people more likely to conform? 0 Unanimity: Conformity was most likely when all the confederates agreed (Asch 1956). 0 Although just one ally drastically reduces the power of influence

0 Low self esteem 0 The need to belong

Less likely to conform: 0 Confidence: When individuals feel that they are more competent to make decisions with regard to a field of expertise, they are less likely to conform. 0 Self Esteem: Stang (1973) found that participants with high self- esteem were less likely to conform to incorrect responses. 0 Commitment (baseball example)

Groupthink 0 Irving Janis (1972) 0 Groupthink is characterized by group members having a unanimous opinion on an issue, and they do not seek out alternative or dissenting opinions 0 Example-Groupthink is what happens when someone in a group suggests an idea, and everyone accepts the idea without considering other possible options.

Why do people conform? 0 Social influence – to avoid rejection or gain social approval 0 Social comparison 0 NOT conforming causes anxiety 0 Cognitive dissonance 0 To get rid of dissonance we conform

Other factors that influence conformity: 0 Gender 0 Culture 0 Age

Obedience (Milgram) 0 Obedience to authority is ingrained from an early age 0 People tend to obey (even when uncomfortable) if they recognize their authority figure as legitimate 0 More likely to obey (even when uncomfortable) when they can pass off the responsibility for the consequences to another party

Bystanding as conformity (The Bystander Effect) 0 Kitty Genovese case 0 Explanations: 0 Large city norms 0 Assume someone else will help 0 If other’s aren’t helping than bystanding becomes a form of conformity 0 How you perceive the situation “if no one else is helping why should I”

When are we more likely to help: 0 When we are alone 0 When it is someone we know 0 We believe it is a true emergency 0 Have the knowledge to help 0 Common fate (campers) 0 No escape (face to face)

0 Bystander examples: 0 Golden Gate Bridge