Society's behavior is guided by a set of rules. Although not written, these rules are very powerful and we still know to follow them. When in a certain situation we are expected to behave a certain way. Those acting outside these rules or what psychologists call social norms receive negative consequences, such as ridicule, reeducation, or rejection. The clothes one wears, the route one takes to work, and even the manner in which one speaks are all factors of conformity. Conformity is the adjustment of one's behavior or judgment to match with a group standard. Conformity is something that all of us do, whether we would like to admit to it or not. But why do we conform? Under what conditions do we conform? Do different cultures affect conformity?
re many factors that can affect conformity, but researchers have identified two psychological influences that lead to conformity: informational influence and normative influence. Informational influence results from one's willingness to accept other's opinions about reality when they are unsure of what is right. This influence occurs more frequently when a person enters an unfamiliar situation. Insecure and viewing other's actions as normal or correct, they decide to match their behaviors. Factors that affect the informational influence are when the situation is puzzling, the situation is a crisis, or the perception of others as experts. Normative influence arises from a one's desire to gain approval or avoid disapproval from others. This influence occurs even when people have a correct beha
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