Situational Factors are external elements that dictate the level of influence, such as group size and unanimity. Conformity tends to increase with group size up to a certain point, but the presence of even one dissenter (lack of unanimity) significantly reduces the pressure to conform.
Dispositional Factors are internal personality traits that affect how likely someone is to follow others. For example, individuals with high self-esteem or specialized expertise are generally less likely to conform or obey blindly compared to those who are less confident.
Proximity and Legitimacy are critical in obedience; individuals are more likely to obey when the authority figure is physically present and perceived as having a valid, socially recognized right to give orders.
Deindividuation is a psychological state where individuals lose their sense of personal identity and self-awareness when part of a large crowd. This often leads to a reduction in inner restraints and an increase in impulsive or deviant behavior.
Anonymity is a primary driver of deindividuation; when people feel they cannot be identified (e.g., wearing masks or being in a massive crowd), they feel less accountable for their actions. This 'diffusion of responsibility' makes individuals more likely to engage in behaviors they would normally avoid.
Crowd Energy can lead to a 'contagion' effect where emotions and behaviors spread rapidly through a group. While often associated with riots (anti-social), it can also drive positive collective actions like large-scale charitable movements (pro-social).
| Feature | Conformity | Obedience |
|---|---|---|
| Source of Influence | Peers or a majority group | A single authority figure |
| Nature of Pressure | Implicit/Social norms | Explicit/Direct orders |
| Hierarchy | Horizontal (equals) | Vertical (superior to subordinate) |
| Motivation | To fit in or be right | To follow instructions/avoid punishment |
Identify the Source: When analyzing a scenario, check if the pressure comes from a group of equals (conformity) or a person in charge (obedience). This distinction is the most common area where marks are lost.
Distinguish the 'Why': If a person follows a group because they are confused, it is informational influence. If they follow to avoid being teased, it is normative influence.
Watch for Anonymity: In questions about crowds, look for factors that hide identity. If a character is wearing a uniform or a mask, the examiner is likely testing your knowledge of deindividuation.
Check for Responsibility: If a person blames their boss for their own actions, they are demonstrating the agentic state within Agency Theory.
