Informational and Normative Social Influence in Conformity: A Comprehensive Overview
This document explores the concepts of informational social... Show more
Subjects
Psychology
Nov 24, 2025
120
2 pages
Informational and Normative Social Influence in Conformity: A Comprehensive Overview
This document explores the concepts of informational social... Show more

Research Support for NSI and the Interplay Between ISI and NSI
This page delves deeper into research support for normative social influence (NSI) and explores how ISI and NSI can work together in explaining conformity.
Research support for NSI is evident in studies where participants conform to incorrect answers to fit in with the group. This conformity is reduced when participants write their answers down, suggesting that the fear of social disapproval plays a significant role in NSI-driven conformity.
Example In studies where participants can write their answers privately, conformity rates decrease, supporting the NSI theory that public compliance is a key factor in conformity.
The document then critiques the original two-process model that suggested conformity had to be either due to ISI or NSI. It argues that both processes can often be involved simultaneously.
Highlight The presence of a dissenter in Asch's conformity experiments reduces the power of both NSI and ISI.
A dissenter provides social support for non-conformity, reducing the power of NSI. Additionally, the dissenter could be correct, which diminishes the influence of ISI by providing an alternative source of information.
Definition Dissenter - A person who disagrees with or goes against the majority opinion in a group.
This interplay between ISI and NSI challenges the concept of these influences working as separate factors. The document concludes that it is difficult to separate these processes in real-world scenarios, suggesting a more complex model of social influence in conformity.

Informational and Normative Social Influence Definitions and Research Support
This page introduces the concepts of informational social influence (ISI) and normative social influence (NSI) as explanations for conformity. It provides research support for ISI and discusses individual differences in NSI.
Research support for ISI comes from Lucas (2006), who found that students were more likely to conform to incorrect answers on difficult math problems. This supports the ISI theory because when faced with challenging tasks, individuals are more likely to doubt themselves and look to the group for guidance, believing the group to be correct.
Example In Lucas's study, participants showed higher conformity rates for difficult math problems compared to easy ones, demonstrating the power of ISI in uncertain situations.
The document also addresses individual differences in NSI, particularly focusing on nAffiliators – people with a greater need for affiliation or relationships with others. These individuals are more likely to conform due to NSI to gain acceptance from others.
Highlight Individual differences in the need for affiliation can affect the strength of NSI, suggesting that the theory may not apply uniformly to all people.
Vocabulary nAffiliators - Individuals with a high need for affiliation or social connection.
This variation in susceptibility to NSI presents a challenge to the theory, indicating that it may not be as straightforward as initially thought. The effectiveness of NSI as an explanation for conformity may depend on individual personality traits and social needs.
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
11
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore a critical evaluation of Asch's conformity experiments, focusing on cultural bias, ethical concerns, and the impact of gender. This summary highlights key findings, limitations, and implications for understanding conformity across different contexts. Ideal for psychology students preparing for exams or discussions.
Explore the key findings and evaluations of Asch's conformity experiment, including its methodology, results, and implications for social psychology. This summary covers the factors influencing conformity, such as group size and cultural context, while addressing the study's limitations in terms of ecological and temporal validity.
12.1 What is Socia Psychology Social psychology is the subfield of psychology that studies the power of the situation to influence individuals’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Psychologists categorize the causes of human behavior as those due to intern
Explore the Agentic State and Legitimacy of Authority as key explanations for obedience in psychology. This summary evaluates their strengths and limitations, highlighting critical studies such as Milgram's and Rank & Jacobson's. Understand cultural differences in obedience and the implications of disobedience in hierarchical structures. Ideal for psychology students preparing for exams or assignments.
Explore the relationship between authoritarian personality traits and obedience in this detailed evaluation. This summary covers key studies, including Milgram's experiment, and critiques the dispositional explanations of obedience, highlighting strengths, limitations, and alternative theories. Ideal for psychology students studying obedience theories and personality psychology.
Explore two key criticisms of Zimbardo's Stanford Prison Experiment, focusing on its androcentric bias and ethical concerns regarding participant deception and potential psychological harm. This exam question summary provides essential insights for understanding the limitations of the research in the context of conformity to social roles.
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Informational and Normative Social Influence in Conformity: A Comprehensive Overview
This document explores the concepts of informational social influence (ISI) and normative social influence (NSI)as explanations for conformity in social psychology. It provides detailed insights into research support, individual... Show more

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Research Support for NSI and the Interplay Between ISI and NSI
This page delves deeper into research support for normative social influence (NSI) and explores how ISI and NSI can work together in explaining conformity.
Research support for NSI is evident in studies where participants conform to incorrect answers to fit in with the group. This conformity is reduced when participants write their answers down, suggesting that the fear of social disapproval plays a significant role in NSI-driven conformity.
Example: In studies where participants can write their answers privately, conformity rates decrease, supporting the NSI theory that public compliance is a key factor in conformity.
The document then critiques the original two-process model that suggested conformity had to be either due to ISI or NSI. It argues that both processes can often be involved simultaneously.
Highlight: The presence of a dissenter in Asch's conformity experiments reduces the power of both NSI and ISI.
A dissenter provides social support for non-conformity, reducing the power of NSI. Additionally, the dissenter could be correct, which diminishes the influence of ISI by providing an alternative source of information.
Definition: Dissenter - A person who disagrees with or goes against the majority opinion in a group.
This interplay between ISI and NSI challenges the concept of these influences working as separate factors. The document concludes that it is difficult to separate these processes in real-world scenarios, suggesting a more complex model of social influence in conformity.

Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Informational and Normative Social Influence: Definitions and Research Support
This page introduces the concepts of informational social influence (ISI) and normative social influence (NSI) as explanations for conformity. It provides research support for ISI and discusses individual differences in NSI.
Research support for ISI comes from Lucas (2006), who found that students were more likely to conform to incorrect answers on difficult math problems. This supports the ISI theory because when faced with challenging tasks, individuals are more likely to doubt themselves and look to the group for guidance, believing the group to be correct.
Example: In Lucas's study, participants showed higher conformity rates for difficult math problems compared to easy ones, demonstrating the power of ISI in uncertain situations.
The document also addresses individual differences in NSI, particularly focusing on nAffiliators – people with a greater need for affiliation or relationships with others. These individuals are more likely to conform due to NSI to gain acceptance from others.
Highlight: Individual differences in the need for affiliation can affect the strength of NSI, suggesting that the theory may not apply uniformly to all people.
Vocabulary: nAffiliators - Individuals with a high need for affiliation or social connection.
This variation in susceptibility to NSI presents a challenge to the theory, indicating that it may not be as straightforward as initially thought. The effectiveness of NSI as an explanation for conformity may depend on individual personality traits and social needs.
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
11
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore a critical evaluation of Asch's conformity experiments, focusing on cultural bias, ethical concerns, and the impact of gender. This summary highlights key findings, limitations, and implications for understanding conformity across different contexts. Ideal for psychology students preparing for exams or discussions.
Explore the key findings and evaluations of Asch's conformity experiment, including its methodology, results, and implications for social psychology. This summary covers the factors influencing conformity, such as group size and cultural context, while addressing the study's limitations in terms of ecological and temporal validity.
12.1 What is Socia Psychology Social psychology is the subfield of psychology that studies the power of the situation to influence individuals’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Psychologists categorize the causes of human behavior as those due to intern
Explore the Agentic State and Legitimacy of Authority as key explanations for obedience in psychology. This summary evaluates their strengths and limitations, highlighting critical studies such as Milgram's and Rank & Jacobson's. Understand cultural differences in obedience and the implications of disobedience in hierarchical structures. Ideal for psychology students preparing for exams or assignments.
Explore the relationship between authoritarian personality traits and obedience in this detailed evaluation. This summary covers key studies, including Milgram's experiment, and critiques the dispositional explanations of obedience, highlighting strengths, limitations, and alternative theories. Ideal for psychology students studying obedience theories and personality psychology.
Explore two key criticisms of Zimbardo's Stanford Prison Experiment, focusing on its androcentric bias and ethical concerns regarding participant deception and potential psychological harm. This exam question summary provides essential insights for understanding the limitations of the research in the context of conformity to social roles.
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user