Conformity: Understanding Social Influence and Its Effects
Conformity: Understanding Social Influence
The Connotation of Conformity
Calling someone a maverick or individualist carries the connotation of a “good” person. In our culture, to be called a conformist is to be considered “inadequate.” However, we can use synonyms with very different connotations. We might refer to an individualist as being off or different, or we might describe a conformist as a valuable team player.
Conformity in Group Settings
In one experiment, groups of students discussed the case history of a juvenile delinquent, Johnny Rocco. Each group was asked to analyze the case and suggest treatment options. One group consisted of nine participants: six genuine subjects and three accomplices paid by the experimenter. The accomplices took turns representing three pre-determined roles: the modal person (who consistently agreed with the majority), the deviant (who consistently disagreed with the group), and the slider (who initially disagreed but gradually conformed to the majority). The results showed that the most appreciated person was the modal one, and the least appreciated was the deviant.
Established or modal groups tend to prefer conformists over mavericks.
Note: A nonconformist automatically acts against the wishes of others.
What is Conformity?
Conformity can be defined as a change in behavior or opinions as a result of real or imagined pressure from individuals or groups.
Example:
Imagine you’re participating in an experiment on perception. You enter a room with four other participants. The experimenter shows a straight line (X) and three other lines (A, B, C). You must determine which of the three lines is closest in length to X.
It’s clear that the correct answer is line B. When your turn comes, you’re ready to say so. But the first participant says “Line A.” The second person also chooses line A. When the third person agrees, you start to think, “Maybe I’m the one who’s wrong.” The fourth person also chooses line A. Finally, it’s your turn. Do you declare line A or stick with your initial judgment?
In this experiment, the first respondents were working for the experimenter and had been instructed to give the wrong answer. When individuals were not subject to peer pressure, there was an almost complete absence of errors.
Variables that Influence Conformity
Social Support:
If a subject has even one ally who agrees with them, their tendency to conform to an incorrect majority opinion is significantly reduced.
Self-Esteem:
Individuals with low self-esteem are far more likely to conform to peer pressure than those with high self-esteem.
Group Composition:
A group will be more effective at inducing conformity if:
- It is perceived as expert.
- Its members are important to the individual.
- Its members are comparable to the individual.
Rewards, Punishments, and Information
There are two primary reasons for conformity. One is that the behavior of others can convince a person that their original judgment was flawed. Another is that they may want to avoid punishment or gain a reward from the group.
Observational Learning:
People tend to conform to what others are doing. For example, imagine you need to use the restrooms in a building. There are two doors labeled “Restrooms,” but the signs indicating “Men” and “Women” have been removed. When the left door opens and a well-dressed gentleman emerges, you confidently assume that the left door is the men’s restroom.
A well-dressed gentleman is more likely to be imitated than someone with a disheveled appearance.
Responses to Social Influence
Compliance:
Describes behavior motivated by a desire to obtain a reward or avoid punishment. It is a superficial and temporary form of conformity.
Identification:
A response to social influence caused by a desire to be like the influencer. The individual adopts a specific behavior not because it is inherently satisfying, but because it aligns them with the influencer. It differs from compliance because the individual comes to believe in the adopted views and values, although their conviction may not be strong.
Internalization:
The most permanent and deeply rooted response to social influence. Unlike compliance, which is driven by external factors, internalization involves integrating the influencer’s beliefs and values into one’s own belief system. This leads to lasting changes in behavior and attitudes.
Example:
Consider the example of obeying speed limits on a highway.
- People tend to drive within the speed limit if they know a certain section of the highway is being monitored by traffic police (compliance).
- When the police are removed, drivers may increase their speed. However, some may continue to obey the limit because their father or someone they admire always obeys traffic laws (identification).
- A person may continue driving within the speed limit because they believe that traffic laws are important for safety and order (internalization).