Post by ambercyw on Oct 18, 2017 19:27:02 GMT
Although both personality and situation may play a part in conformity, I believe that it is more a matter of the particular social situation that influences one's decision to conform to a particular norm. For example, in Asch's experiment, participants may have been inclined to conform because they did not want to draw attention to themselves; this is due to social influence and the desire to avoid criticism or disapproval. Another reason would be self-doubt; in this particular experiment, the individual may believe that if the majority of people came to a unanimous answer, they must be right. Other factors of the situation that may contribute to one's decision to conform is if the situation is highly ambiguous, then the individual would look to others to see how to behave. An individual is also more likely to conform if there is a large group of people following a norm as opposed to only a few people. I think that personality plays a bigger role in one's decision not to conform. Some people may be more rebellious in nature and feel inclined to challenge the status quo. The non-conformist may also have very strong beliefs that would encourage them to remain firmly against the norm if the norm goes against those beliefs.
I think that the decision to obey or not to obey the instruction of a superior is more of a matter of the situation. Obedience is mainly contingent on the consequences that would occur if a person does not obey. These consequences may be explicit such as punishments for behaviour that goes against the law, or they may be implicit such as social rejection if one does not comply. If these consequences were to be removed, the situation changes and perhaps individuals would not be as inclined to obey authorities.
I think that the decision to obey or not to obey the instruction of a superior is more of a matter of the situation. Obedience is mainly contingent on the consequences that would occur if a person does not obey. These consequences may be explicit such as punishments for behaviour that goes against the law, or they may be implicit such as social rejection if one does not comply. If these consequences were to be removed, the situation changes and perhaps individuals would not be as inclined to obey authorities.