Conformity Basics
What is the definition of conformity?
Changing one’s behavior or beliefs to match others.
What are social norms?
Shared expectations about appropriate behavior.
What three factors affect the likelihood of conformity?
Strength, immediacy, and number.
What are idiosyncrasy credits?
“Credits” earned through conformity that allow later deviation.
What is propaganda?
A systematic attempt to manipulate beliefs or behavior for a cause.
What are the two main types of social influence?
Informational and normative.
What is a descriptive norm?
What people typically do.
What does “strength” refer to?
The importance of the group.
What is minority influence?
When a small group or individual influences the majority.
What tools does propaganda use?
Persuasive communication, repetition, emotional appeals, social norms.
What does informational social influence lead to?
Private acceptance.
What is an injunctive norm?
What people should do.
What does “immediacy” refer to?
Closeness in space or time.
What makes minority influence effective?
Consistency, confidence, and reason.
Give a historical example of propaganda.
“We Can Do It!” wartime poster.
What does normative social influence lead to?
Public compliance.
Give an example of a descriptive vs. injunctive norm.
Descriptive: “Students check their phones in class.” Injunctive: “Students shouldn’t use phones.”
What does “number” refer to?
How many people are present.
Explain the Foot-in-the-Door technique.
Start with a small request → follow with a bigger one.
How does propaganda relate to social influence?
It shapes behavior and beliefs through conformity and persuasion.
Give an example of normative conformity.
Laughing at a joke you don’t find funny just to fit in.
How do social norms drive conformity?
Through informational and normative pressures.
Give a real-life example of this theory in action.
Peer pressure increasing when more close friends are watching.
Explain the Door-in-the-Face technique.
Start with a big request → follow with a smaller one.
What modern form of propaganda do we see on social media?
Influencer marketing or political campaigns shaping opinion.