Analyze the socio-psychological factors that influence our tendency to conform to group pressure. In your analysis, address each of the following rubric criteria in 3 to 5 sentences:
1. Describe the difference between acceptance, compliance, and obedience, and provide examples of how these concepts present within the group dynamic.
2. Describe the difference between normative influence and informational influence, and provide examples of how these concepts impact the group dynamic.
3. Describe why cognitive dissonance is not always easy to recognize in ourselves.
4. Describe ways to reduce cognitive dissonance and shift to a state of cognitive consonance in the group setting.
5. Describe the factors that may impact a person’s ability or desire to deviate from the norm and choose not to conform to group pressure.
Part Two: Reflecting On the Conformity Experience
Reflect upon an authentic experience that occurred either at home, in school, at work, or within the greater community, in which you or someone you know conformed to the majority opinion. In your reflection, address each of the following rubric criteria in 3 to 5 sentences:
1. Describe the influence of unanimity on the tendency of group members to conform to the majority opinion.
2. Describe the influence of cohesion on the tendency of group members to conform to the majority opinion.
3. Describe the influence of status on the tendency of group members to conform to the majority opinion.
Part Three: Integrating the Negative and Positive Aspects of Conformity Within the Group Dynamic
Integrate and apply your knowledge of conformity, which can result in both negative and positive outcomes on group collaboration. In your response, address each of the following rubric criteria in one paragraph:
1. Describe the negative effects of conformity on group collaboration. Include the potential impact of conformity on each of the following:
A. The motivation of group members
B. The identity and individuality of group members
C. The perceptions of fairness toward group members
D. The creativity and diversity of ideas of group members
2. Describe the positive effects of conformity on group collaboration. Include the potential impact of conformity on each of the following:
A. The cohesiveness of group members
B. The intergroup harmony between group members
C. The productivity level of group members
D. The learning amongst group members
Sample Answer
Analyzing Socio-Psychological Factors Influencing Conformity
The tendency to conform to group pressure is driven by powerful socio-psychological factors related to our need for acceptance and accurate information.
Part One: Analyzing Conformity Dynamics
1. Acceptance, Compliance, and Obedience
Acceptance is genuine, internal agreement with a group's beliefs or actions, such as truly believing a political group's platform after joining. Compliance is publicly acting in accord with group pressure while privately disagreeing, like wearing a uniform you dislike just to follow the company dress code. Obedience is compliance specifically to an explicit command from an authority figure, such as a subordinate carrying out a manager's order despite personal moral hesitation. Within a group dynamic, compliance often occurs first (to avoid conflict), and can eventually lead to genuine acceptance over time.
Normative Influence and Informational Influence
Normative influence is the pressure to conform to gain acceptance or avoid rejection, essentially stemming from the desire to "fit in." This impacts group dynamics by encouraging members to publicly agree, even if they doubt the decision, to maintain social harmony. Informational influence is the pressure to conform because one genuinely believes the group is a source of correct information, especially in ambiguous situations. This influence impacts the group dynamic by leading individuals to silence their private doubts, assuming the majority knows something they do not.
3. Why Cognitive Dissonance Is Not Always Easy to Recognize in Ourselves
Cognitive dissonance is the tension or discomfort felt when holding two conflicting beliefs or when one's behavior contradicts one's beliefs. It is difficult to recognize in ourselves because our minds automatically employ defense mechanisms, such as rationalization, to reduce the tension. We often unconsciously seek out information that confirms our behavior (selective exposure) or distort the importance of the conflicting belief, making the dissonance seem minor or justified. This automatic, self-protective process keeps the tension out of our immediate conscious awareness.
4. Ways to Reduce Cognitive Dissonance and Shift to Cognitive Consonance in the Group Setting
In a group setting, dissonance can be reduced by aligning one's actions or beliefs with the group's accepted standard to achieve cognitive consonance (consistency). One can change their dissenting behavior to match the group's norm, such as publicly endorsing a group decision they initially opposed. Alternatively, one can change the conflicting attitude or belief, convincing themselves that the group's decision was correct after all. Finally, one can seek social support from others who agree with the group's action, validating the choice and reducing personal tension.