Question

There are two types of conformity, informational and normative. Describe and give examples of each of these. Which of these is more significant in your social interactions with others? Why?

Answer 1

Conformity is a type of social influence that occurs when individuals change their behavior to be more like the majority. There are two different types of sources of conformity:

1. Normative Social Influence: This can be described as the desire to be liked. Here, individuals change their behavior to be more like the majority group because they wish to gain approval and acceptance from them. This type of conformity is usually accompanied with a fear of rejection that would take place of the individual does not conform. For example, smoking as a result of peer pressure even when you personally dislike it.

2. Informational Social Influence: This can be described as the desire to be liked. In this type of conformity, individuals conform because they believe that the majority is more likely to be right than wrong. This type of conformity usually takes place when one does not have much information about an issue. Hence, one looks upto the majority for the right decision. For example, when we go to a new place such as a new country, we usually try to act like others because we do not know the acceptable form of behaviors.

The degree to which an individual is influenced by either of these types of conformity is a personal characteristic. I for one am more likely to be influenced by informational conformity. This is because i do have a strong need to be right but do not have a strong need to be liked.