1. Chapter 7: Conformity Part 1: Oct. 13, 2010

2. Social Influence We automatically mimic others – Gestures, facial movements – Serves a social function Links to conformity – “tendency to change our perceptions & behavior in ways consistent with group norms” – Do we recognize this conformity?

3. Early studies of conformity Sherif’s lab study of autokinetic effect: – What is it? – How did participants conform? – Follow-up 1 year later…Results?

4. Asch’s Conformity studies – – Groups of 6 (5 confederate & 1 participant) – Procedure? – How does conformity occur? – Reward for conforming?

5. Why conform? 1. Information 2. Norms 3. Distinction between private and public conformity -

6. Majority Influence 1. Influence of group size – – What are the effects on conformity? 2. Pluralistic ignorance – perceptual error 3. Influence of one partner in nonconformity: – What happened in Asch’s study when someone supported participant’s opinion?

7. 4. Gender effects on conformity – – Depends on public & private conformity: Minority Influence: – How can nonconformists influence others? – Style: consistency hypothesis – Personality predictors of conformity?