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  • Essay / Analysis of the factors that influence the extent to which a person will demonstrate conformity

    The purpose of this essay is to critically evaluate the characteristics that influence a person to demonstrate and adapt to conformity. This will be achieved by developing theories and studies carried out to conclude on behavior in different environments; including Jenness (1932), Solomon Asch (1951, 1955) and Sherif (1935). Real-life examples and stories will also be included to provide an in-depth essay on compliance and triggers. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Conforming is a method of social influence regarding variation in behavior or belief in order to fit within a group of people. Conformity can also be identified as “giving in to group pressures.” A person may choose to comply with a decision that is highly favored by the majority or that appears to be a socially acceptable decision; also known as majority influence. The term conformity can often indicate a desire to fit in or be liked in a social interaction. Individuals often conform when they rely on others for guidance; whether friends, family, associates, etc. Situational dynamics have a greater impact on decision-making than behavioral factors because conformity is not necessarily an everyday phenomenon while a person's characteristics are innate. The value of conformity begins in childhood, this behavior is essential for socialization. In general; children conform to be accepted and part of a group; it gives a feeling of belonging and security. Kelman (1958) proposes that there are three types of conformity: conformity; follow the crowd, even if you feel differently inside. Identification; fulfilling a role based on social expectations rather than private opinion, and finally internalization; adapt or consider viewpoints in relation to personal preferences or intuition. The first psychologist to study conformity was Jenness (1932). His experiment involved a glass bottle of beans and a group of people. They were first asked to give their individual estimates of how many beans they thought were in the bottle. Participants were then divided into groups of three and were then asked to provide estimates by talking and discussing the number of beans in the pot. After the group discussion, individual estimates were again asked to compare whether their responses had been influenced by the group discussion; and the vast majority of them have changed their minds. The results demonstrate power conformity in an ambiguous, group-based context. Participants changed their decision because they felt the group's estimate was closer to the exact number of beans than their own guess. Similarly, Sherif (1935) conducted an experiment on autokinetic effects similarly requiring participants to provide responses in a group environment and individually. The results revealed that the responses given in a group were similar, but the individual responses were very different. Individual behavior and decision-making can ultimately be shaped by the presence of others. However, there may be pros and cons to this attitude, for example: the work environment, team games and political activism show positive results, while peer pressureNegative and unconstructive peer influences and influences can lead to negative consequences. The reasons why people join groups in the first place can also cause them to conform, for example; gaining acceptance from group members, realizing aspirations that other groups intend to achieve. Social influence represents the habits and techniques in which external factors can impact and change within an individual. It guides the way we behave and the way we think. Compliance, obedience, and conformity are all concepts of social influence. It is evident in everyday life, people adhere to unwritten social norms. They systematize their lives by obeying directives provided by an authority figure. The changes that lead to social influence can be instantaneous or delayed, intentional or unintentional, explicit or implicit. Social norms are an expected way of behaving within a culture or society. Once a specific way of doing something becomes a norm, people conform to it because it seems like the right way to do things. Informational social influence. Research and paradigms have shown that when a person is challenged, they will adapt their behavior closer to what is expected in society. Solomon Asch (1951, 1955) organized a model on conformity by focusing the topic on social influence theory. Candidates in Asch's experiment were shown one standard line and three comparison lines. After listening to the other participants' estimates, the candidates had to indicate which of the three lines best corresponded to the initial diagram presented. A large number of candidates who participated demonstrated compliance because their answers were close to, or even identical to, those of participants who intentionally misjudged. This experiment demonstrates that individuals placed in a potentially uncomfortable position express conformity. Compliance specifically regarding compliance means efforts directly made to change a person's behavior in a specified way. Cialdini (1994) suggested that there are 6 values ​​for achieving conformity, the first being reciprocity, holding power over a person's actions based on prior favor or support . Second, social validation; rely on others for advice when uncertain. Another factor is commitment and consistency; act in accordance with a promise already made. Authority; a person seen as having power is more likely to be respected and respected. Scarcity is the fifth value suggested by Cialdini, indicating that people value scarcity and don't want to feel like they're missing out on a good opportunity. Finally, if someone likes another person, they are more likely to settle or compromise for the sake of that person, which is called friendship/affection. Compliance does not usually change a person's internal opinions, it is a temporary phase during which their behavior is observed. For example; a child responsible for cleaning his room will only be able to comply with these instructions until he is no longer supervised. Conformity leads an individual driven by gain or reward to escape penalty, to succumb to social pressure while internally opposing it. The request that the individual accepts is either implicit; a form of advertising an item without asking them to buy it, or explicitly; a verbal wish. Another common example of compliance is driving; drivers respect the highway code..