26 Mar Define compliance, obedience, and conformity

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Week 3 Discussion

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Week 3 Discussion

1. Define compliance, obedience, and conformity. Which article goes with which term (note the title of the articles may not be the best description)?

Compliance may be described as a situation in which a person tends to give in an expression request from another individual or a group of people. On the other hand, obedience may be described as the act of doing as told by another person. Lastly, conformity may be described as the act of giving in to group pressure or following the majority.

The article that goes well with the term compliance is the article by Haney et al. (1972), “Interpersonal dynamics in a simulated prison.” The article tends to offer an explanation of how the participants in the simulated prison gave into the required behaviour to be able to escape the cruelty and harsh condition of the prison environment. On the other hand, the article that goes well with the term obedience is the article by Milgram (1963), “Behavioural study of obedience.” The article identifies that obedience tends to be a basic component within the social life structure to which an individual may refer to. The article which goes well with the term conformity is the article by Asch (1955), “Opinions and social pressure.” The article identifies that social influence tends to have a significant impact on shaping an individual’s judgment, practice, and belief. In general, obedience tends to be an old chestnut that every individual tends to readily agree to.

2. How does the Asch article apply to previous readings on self-justification?  That is, can you see a group process occurring when most people agree?

The article by Asch (1955) argues that social influence tends to have a significant impact on determining an individual’s judgment, practice, and belief. This is because social influences allow an individual to master their “native” dialect. In this approach, the article tens to apply the reading relating to self-justification by asserting that an individual is often forced to shift his or her judgment when they are confronted with opinions that are contrary to their own. Thus, they may justify their supporting stand on the opposition if the social influence they are receiving is huge. Size as an aspect of group influence tends to be crucial in motivating individuals to have similar opinions and ideas. Asch (1955) study identified that as the size of the group agreeing to a specific opinion increased, the influence or pressure rate of the group also increased. Thus, group pressure may occur if they all agree on a common topic or conduct.

3. Apply what you learned in the Milgram and Haney and colleagues' article to more current events.

The aspect that I have been able to learn from Milgram is that obedience is a basic component within the social life structure that guides one to live as per the developed cultural regulations. Additionally, I have been able to learn that obedience does not only entail acts of kindness and charity to others, but it also tends to entail acts of aggression and destruction. Thus, it may be utilized as a tool for promoting good morals or destruction as it often serves numerous productive functions.

On the other hand, I have been able to learn from Haney et al. (1972) that the gesture of compliance is a crucial aspect of one’s life. This is because it will allow one to avoid harsh situations and promote inclusivity in a specific social group.

Lastly, the aspect that I was able to learn from Asch (1955) that group pressure or influence tends to have a major impact on altering the belief and opinions of an individual. Additionally, the size of the group agreeing to a specific opinion increased, and the influence or pressure rate of the group also increased. Thus, a group pressure may occur if they all agree on a common topic or conduct.

References

Asch, S. E. (1955). Opinions and social pressure.  Nature,  176(4491), 1009-1011.  https://doi.org/10.1038/1761009b0

Haney, C., Banks, C., & Zimbardo, P. (1972). Interpersonal dynamics in a simulated prison.  https://doi.org/10.21236/ad0751041

Milgram, S. (1963). Behavioural study of obedience.  The Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology,  67(4), 371-378.  https://doi.org/10.1037/h0040525