What is Conformity?
In GCSE Psychology conformity is the act of agreeing with the group (usually the majority) and going along with their behaviour. People may conform even when they disagree with the group’s ideas/opinions/behaviours as most people want to be accepted and feel that they belong. They may also believe that the group knows more than they themselves do e.g. I’ll just see what everyone else does and then I’ll follow them.
Conformity involves going along with the group and being guided by them rather than carrying out the instructions/orders of an individual who appears to be in charge. Examples of conformity include joining in with bullying behaviour to stay in with that group, laughing along to a joke you don’t find funny, following the crowd when a fire alarm goes off as you assume they know where the emergency exit is.
Conformity Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams
You can use the Save My Exams revision notes to revise Asch’s study of conformity and further your understanding of conformity and social influence.
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