What is Conformity?

We've all heard of conformity and probably understand it as a concept, but how do we actually define 'conformity' from the perspective of psychology?

As you work through the following scenarios, try to think honestly about how you would react in the situation. How you would 'like' to act may be different from reality - generally we like to think we're autonomous and would 'stick to our guns' but is that really the case...

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

You're in class and your tutor has asked a question; you're sure that you know the correct answer but nobody else in the class seems to be volunteering any information. Despite knowing you're right, do you answer or now?

What influences might be acting upon someone in this scenario? Why might they NOT put their hand up to answer?

You get in an elevator and everyone else is facing what you would consider the 'back' of the lift. Do you face the same way or stick to the usual and face the doors?

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

You're driving to Edinburgh and as you approach the bridge the speed limit changes from 70 to 50 mph. Obviously, you don't want to get a speeding ticket but none of the cars around you seem to be slowing down to the new speed limit so what do you do? Keep driving at 70 or drop to 50?

In this scenario - can you identify the opposing social influences you might be facing?

This is a fairly light-hearted example, but can you think of any ethical issues that researchers might face when conducting conformity experiments?

Would you clap?

TASK

Read the article: Everyday examples of conformity

All of the above are examples of conformity. Thinking about your own day to day experiences, can you come up with some of your own examples in which either yourself or others might be compelled to conform?

You'll need your examples later so make sure you have a few

Defining Conformity

When we think of conformity, terms like 'fitting in' or 'peer pressure' probably spring to mind. What both of these terms imply is that conformity isn't wholly an individually driven behaviour but relies on our social environment - i.e, what do others expect us to do.

"Conformity is the tendency to change what we do, think or say in response to the influence of a real or imagined pressure from a majority group "

While the wording of the above definitions varies, they all share some common characteristics; conformity is a CHANGE IN BEHAVIOUR as the result of SOCIAL INFLUENCE

Jennes (1932) was the first psychologist to conduct a study into conformity.

Individually, participants were asked to estimate the number of beans in a jar
The participants were then grouped together and asked to discuss and provide a 'group' estimate.
After this, participants were asked if they would like to change their individual estimates

Finding - when given the opportunity, almost ALL participants changed their individual guesses to be closer to that of the group

Social Influence

We've already mentioned social influence but what exactly is it? It's a real (or perceived) pressure to act or behave in a certain way. Social influence comes in all shapes and sizes and varies depending on the groups which we are or want to be a member of.

TASK

For each of the examples you came up with earlier think about the pros and cons of conformity or non-conformity. Are there any benefits of conforming? Are there any negative consequences when we don't conform?

Complete the activity titled 'Conformity One - What is Conformity?' on G Classroom (link)

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