Psychology 2070A/B Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Normative Social Influence, Social Proof, Social Influence

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2070A/B
• Professor: Sarah Stanton

Document Summary

Conformity refers to a change in behaviour resulting from the real or imagined influence of other people. When we conform due to informational social influence, we do so because we believe that others" interpretation of a situation is more correct than our interpretation. Based in a need to be right. Can yield private acceptance or public compliance. Private acceptance occurs when we conform to others" behaviour and truly believe what they"re doing or saying is right. Public compliance occurs when we conform to others" behaviour publicly, but don"t necessarily believe in what they"re doing or saying. Situations where other people are (perceived as) experts. Carefully consider if another person"s interpretation of a situation is more legitimate than your own. When we conform due to normative social influence, we do so because we want to be liked by others. Based in a need to be accepted. Dangerous when we have to act immorally or cruelly in order to be liked.