Definition of Identification: This occurs when an individual conforms to the expectations of a social role or a specific group because they value membership in that group. It involves both public and private change, but only for as long as the individual identifies with the group.
The Role of Identity: Unlike compliance, the individual actually believes in the behavior or attitude they are adopting. However, this belief is tied to the social relationship; if the person leaves the group or the role, the behavior often reverts to their original state.
Distinguishing Features: It is deeper than compliance because it involves private acceptance, but it is shallower than internalization because it is dependent on the presence of the group or the maintenance of the social role.
Definition of Internalization: This is the deepest level of conformity where an individual genuinely accepts the group's norms and integrates them into their own belief system. This results in a permanent change in both public behavior and private conviction.
Informational Social Influence: Internalization is often driven by the desire to be correct. When an individual looks to a group for guidance in an ambiguous situation and adopts their view, they do so because they believe the group's information is superior to their own.
Persistence of Change: Because the new belief has become part of the individual's own identity, the behavior persists even in the absence of the group. It represents a true transformation of the individual's perspective.
| Feature | Compliance | Identification | Internalization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Change | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Private Change | No | Yes | Yes |
| Duration | Temporary (while group is present) | Temporary (while membership is valued) | Permanent (integrated into belief system) |
| Primary Motivation | Desire to be liked (Normative) | Desire to belong (Social Role) | Desire to be right (Informational) |
Identify the 'Why': When analyzing a scenario, look for the motivation. If the person is acting to avoid a 'dirty look,' it is likely Compliance. If they are acting because they think the group knows more than they do, it is Internalization.
Check for Private Belief: Always ask if the individual still holds their original view in secret. If they do, it cannot be Internalization or Identification. If they have changed their mind but only because they like the group, it is Identification.
Watch for Duration: If a question mentions that the behavior continued long after the person left the group, this is a strong indicator of Internalization. If the behavior stopped immediately, it points toward Compliance.
Common Mistake: Do not confuse Identification with Internalization. Remember that Identification is 'membership-dependent,' whereas Internalization is 'truth-dependent' and persists regardless of social ties.
