NATIONAL ECONOMICS UNIVERSITY

BUSINESS SCHOOL
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INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH PAPER

SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
TOPIC
CONFORMITY AND ITS IMPACT ON BEHAVIOR

Lecture : Thaddeus Hostetler

Class : EBBA 15.1
ID : 11230143
Name : Ngô Thị Phương Thảo

Hanoi – 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENT
1. INTRODUCTION..............................................................................3
2. CONFORMITY: KEY DEFINITIONS, EXPERIMENTS,
CAUSE AND IMPACT.....................................................................3
2.1. Overview of Conformity............................................................3
2.1.1. Definition......................................................................3
2.1.2. Types of conformity......................................................3
2.1.3. Conformity vs Groupthink............................................4
2.2. Experiments of Conformity......................................................5
2.2.1. Solomon Asch’s Line....................................................5
2.2.2. Stanford Prison Experiment.........................................5
2.3. Cause of Conformity..................................................................5
2.4. Impact of Conformity................................................................6
3. CONFORMITY IN VIETNAM........................................................7
3.1. Collectivism and Conformity....................................................7
3.2. Impact of Social Structure........................................................7
3.3. Psychology and Behavior of Respect........................................8
3.4. Impact of Technology and Globalization.................................8
3.5. Survey Findings..........................................................................8
4. CONCLUSION...................................................................................8
5. REFERENCE......................................................................................9
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1. INTRODUCTION
Social conformity is a fundamental aspect of human behavior, driven by our natural
inclination to seek acceptance and belonging within a group. It refers to the tendency of
individuals to adjust their beliefs, attitudes, and actions to align with the norms and expectations
of their social environment. This phenomenon significantly shapes our decisions and behaviors
across various domains of life, from personal relationships to professional settings.
Understanding social conformity is vital because of its pervasive influence on society. While
it can foster social cohesion and collective cooperation, it may also lead to the suppression of
individuality and the reinforcement of harmful norms. Seminal studies by psychologists such as
Solomon Asch and Stanley Milgram have underscored the powerful role of conformity,
demonstrating how group pressure and authority can profoundly affect individual behavior.
This essay will delve into the mechanisms behind social conformity, exploring its causes and
the factors that determine the extent to which people conform. It will also analyze key
experiments that illustrate the dynamics of conformity and discuss its broader implications for
understanding human behavior in both social and cultural contexts. Through this examination,
we will gain a deeper understanding of how conformity influences our daily interactions and
decisions.
2. CONFORMITY: KEY DEFINITIONS, EXPERIMENTS, CAUSE AND IMPACT
2.1. Overview of Conformity
2.1.1. Definition
Conformity is a social phenomenon in which individuals change their behavior, attitudes, or
beliefs to align with the norms or standards of a group. This adjustment can occur due to group
pressure, a desire for acceptance, or a fear of isolation. Psychological research has shown that
this change can happen even when individuals do not genuinely agree with the group's views but
feel compelled to adapt to fit in.
2.1.2. Types of Conformity
According to Deutsch and Gerrard, there are two major types of conformity:
Normative Conformity
A type of conformity that individuals engage in to be accepted and build social
relationships with those around them. When a person feels pressure from a group or desires to fit
in, they often change their behavior or opinions to align with the group's standards and
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expectations. This can lead to a situation where an individual does not necessarily agree with the
group's views or actions but still conforms to avoid being excluded or criticized.
For example, when you go out to eat with a group of friends, you tend to order the dishes
that your friends order the most, even if it is something you've never eaten before or don't
particularly like.
Informational Conformity
Occurs when an individual conforms to the opinions or behaviors of a group because they
believe that the group has more accurate or useful information. In this case, conformity is not just
about acceptance; it stems from a desire to gain a better understanding of a particular issue.
People often seek consensus from those they consider more knowledgeable or experienced in a
specific area.
For example, when you first start going to a gym, you tend to mimic the way that others
there are doing things cecause you believe that the people there are all exercising correctly, even
if those people may be also newcomers.
2.1.3. Conformity and Groupthink
People often confuse conformity and groupthink. Although they may have similar concepts,
they represent two different phenomena.
Conformity is the tendency of individuals to adjust their behavior or opinions to align with
the group, often influenced by social pressure. This can occur naturally when a person seeks
acceptance or wants to fit in with those around them. Conformity can happen without necessarily
leading to consensus in decision-making.
Groupthink, on the other hand, is an ineffective decision-making process in which the
desire to maintain harmony within the group leads members to abandon their opinions and
refrain from presenting differing viewpoints. This can result in poor decisions and a lack of
thorough consideration, as group members often acquiesce to the common perspective without
careful analysis.
Conformity is one potential cause of groupthink. However, it can also arise due to the belief
that dissent is impossible.
For example, in a group discussing a new business strategy, if a member feels that the
proposed strategy might not be effective but still goes along with it because everyone else agrees,
that is an example of conformity. In contrast, if the group decides not to consider a viable
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alternative simply because they want to avoid conflict and maintain harmony, resulting in
agreement without thorough discussion, that is groupthink.
2.2. Experiments on Conformity
2.2.1. Solomon Asch’s Line Experiment
Solomon Asch's Line Experiment, conducted in the 1950s, is a classic study in social
psychology that examined the phenomenon of conformity. In the experiment, participants were
placed in a group with several confederates (people who were in on the experiment but pretended
to be participants). They were shown a series of lines and asked to identify which line matched a
reference line in length. The catch was that the confederates intentionally gave incorrect answers
in some trials. The results were striking: a significant number of participants conformed to the
incorrect responses given by the confederates, even when the correct answer was obvious. About
75% of the participants conformed at least once, illustrating the powerful influence of group
pressure on individual judgment. Asch's experiment highlighted how social dynamics could lead
individuals to suppress their own beliefs and perceptions to fit in with the group, shedding light
on the complex nature of conformity in social settings.
2.2.2. Stanford Prison Experiment
Zimbardo’s Stanford Prison Experiment, conducted in 1971, sought to explore the
psychological effects of perceived power and authority within a simulated prison environment.
The experiment demonstrated how ordinary individuals, placed in a prison setting, quickly
adopted abusive behaviors, underscoring the powerful influence of situational factors on one's
actions and attitudes. Research suggests that elements such as group dynamics and authority can
drive people to act against their ethical beliefs. Participants rapidly internalized their assigned
roles, with guards displaying authoritarian behavior and prisoners becoming passive and
distressed. Social pressure and group cohesion reinforced conformity, prompting individuals to
alter their actions to align with the expectations of their roles. This study reveals how extreme
behaviors can emerge in specific contexts, even when they contradict personal values.
2.3. Cause of Conformity
Conformity is influenced by several psychological and social factors.
 Desire for Acceptance: People often conform to fit in with a group and gain social
acceptance. This normative influence stems from the need to be liked and avoid rejection,
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leading individuals to change their behavior to align with group norms, even if they
personally disagree.
 Informational Influence: In situations where individuals are uncertain about how to behave,
they may look to others for guidance. This is particularly common in ambiguous situations
where the correct response is unclear. People may conform because they believe others have
more knowledge or experience.
 Social Pressure: The presence of authority figures or peers can exert significant pressure to
conform. This pressure can manifest as coercion, bullying, or criticism, prompting
individuals to act in ways that align with group expectations to avoid negative outcomes.
 Cognitive Bias: Individuals often rely on mental shortcuts to navigate social situations, which
can lead to conformity. This cognitive bias simplifies decision-making but may inhibit
independent thought and creativity.
 Group Size and Dynamics: The likelihood of conformity increases with the size of the group,
particularly when there are three to five members. In larger groups, individuals may feel
more compelled to conform to maintain harmony.
 Cultural Factors: People from collectivist cultures, which emphasize group harmony and
interdependence, are generally more prone to conform than those from individualistic
cultures, where personal autonomy is valued.
 Individual Differences: Personal traits, such as low self-esteem or a strong desire for social
approval, can make individuals more susceptible to conformity. Those who have experienced
rejection may conform more readily to avoid further social isolation.
2.4. Impact of Conformity
Conformity can have a significant impact on behavior, influencing individuals and groups in
various ways:
 Behavioral Change: Conformity often leads individuals to change their attitudes, beliefs, and
behaviors to align with those of a group. This can manifest in both positive and negative
ways. For example, people may adopt healthy behaviors if they see their peers doing so, or
they may engage in risky behaviors, such as underage drinking, due to peer pressure.
 Social Cohesion: Conformity can enhance group cohesion and create a sense of belonging.
When individuals conform to group norms, it fosters unity and can lead to collective
decision-making that benefits the group as a whole.
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 Bystander Effect: Conformity can contribute to the bystander effect, where individuals are
less likely to intervene in emergencies when they see others doing nothing. This phenomenon
occurs because people often look to the behavior of others to determine how to act in
uncertain situations.
 Limitation of Individuality: While conformity can promote social harmony, it may also limit
personal expression and creativity. Individuals may suppress their unique ideas or opinions to
fit in, which can stifle innovation and critical thinking.
 Groupthink: In some cases, conformity can lead to groupthink, where the desire for
consensus overrides realistic appraisal of alternative courses of action. This can result in poor
decision-making and can have serious consequences, especially in organizational settings.
 Moral Implications: Conformity can sometimes lead individuals to engage in unethical or
harmful behaviors, especially when they feel pressured to comply with group norms that
contradict their personal values. Historical examples, such as the Holocaust, illustrate how
conformity can facilitate large-scale atrocities.
 Neuroscientific Insights: Research has shown that conformity is linked to specific neural
mechanisms in the brain, particularly those involved in reinforcement learning and conflict
processing. This suggests that the brain responds to social influences in ways that can predict
behavioral changes.
In summary, while conformity can foster social cohesion and facilitate positive behaviors, it
also has the potential to limit individuality, promote unethical actions, and lead to poor decision-
making in groups.
3. CONFORMITY IN VIETNAM
3.1. Collectivism and Conformity
Vietnamese culture is highly collectivist, where family and community values are
prioritized. Adhering to group norms is often seen as essential for maintaining peace and
harmony in society. A study by Hoang and Nguyen (2020) found that 78% of participants felt
pressure to conform to group rules to preserve social relationships.
3.2. Impact of Social Structure
In Vietnam, the social structure is often characterized by high stratification, with respect
given to the elderly and those in higher social positions. This leads individuals to frequently
comply with their decisions, even when personal views differ. According to a survey by the
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Institute for Social Research (2019), 75% of participants reported changing their decisions to
align with family expectations.
3.3. Psychology and Behavior of Respect
In Vietnamese culture, respect for the elderly and experienced individuals can create
significant pressure to conform. This is evident in decisions related to education, careers, and
lifestyle choices. Research by Pham et al. (2021) indicated that 68% of students felt pressured to
choose their fields of study based on their parents' opinions.
3.4. Impact of Technology and Globalization
The development of information technology and social media has created a new
environment where social norms are rapidly changing. While some young people tend to express
themselves more, many others still feel pressure to conform to new trends. A study by Tran and
Ho (2022) revealed that 60% of young people felt pressured to keep up with trends set by friends
and social media.
3.5. Survey Findings
According to a survey by the General Statistics Office of Vietnam (2023), about 70% of
citizens affirmed that they often adhere to community regulations and customs, especially
during festivals and social events. The survey showed that 65% of participants had adjusted their
behaviors to align with community expectations.
4. CONCLUSION
In summary, social conformity plays a significant role in shaping individual behaviors,
influencing decisions from everyday interactions to major life choices. This phenomenon is
primarily driven by the need for acceptance, informational influence, and social pressures. While
conformity can strengthen social bonds and facilitate collective action, it can also suppress
individuality and perpetuate harmful norms.
Experiments such as Asch's line study and the Stanford Prison Experiment highlight how
group dynamics and authority figures can deeply affect behavior. The extent of conformity varies
across cultures, with collectivist societies like Vietnam placing a stronger emphasis on group
harmony. However, with the rise of globalization and digital transformation, Vietnam's youth
face new conformity pressures, particularly from social media and emerging trends.
Understanding the mechanisms behind conformity allows us to see its dual role: fostering
societal order while potentially limiting personal autonomy and critical thinking. Striking a
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balance between the advantages of conformity and the importance of individuality will be crucial
in navigating future social and cultural landscapes.
5. REFERENCE
[1] Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat. (2024). Conformity vs. Groupthink - What's the Difference?.
Retrieved from: Conformity vs. Groupthink — What’s the Difference? (askdifference.com)

[2] Levine, J. M. (2020, January 28). conformity. Encyclopedia Britannica.

Retrieved from: Conformity | Definition, Studies, Types, & Facts | Britannica
[3] Psychology Today. Conformity. Retrieved from: Conformity | Psychology Today
Retrieved from: What Is Conformity? Definition and Examples (explorepsychology.com)
[4] Kendra Cherry, MSEd ( June 22, 2024 ).
Retrieved from: What Is Conformity? Definition, Types, Psychology Research
(verywellmind.com)
[5] Scribbr. What is the difference between groupthink and conformity bias?
Retrieved from: What is the difference between groupthink and conformity bias?
(scribbr.com)
[6] Saul McLeod, PhD ( October 24,2023 ).
Retrieved from: Solomon Asch Conformity Line Experiment Study (simplypsychology.org)
[7] Saul McLeod, PhD ( November 17, 2023 )
Retrieved from: Stanford Prison Experiment: Zimbardo's Famous Study
(simplypsychology.org)
[8]
[9] Dovetail. What is conformity bias in research?
Retrieved from: What is Conformity Bias? Definition, Causes, Examples
(dovetail.com)
[10] Mirre Stallen and Alan G. Sanfey ( September 28, 2015 )
Retrieved from: The neuroscience of social conformity: implications for
fundamental and applied research - PMC (nih.gov)
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[11] Hoang, T. M., & Nguyen, L. H. (2020). Cultural influences on conformity in

Vietnam. Journal of Social Psychology, 45(3), 123-135
[12] Vietnam Social Research Institute. (2019). Social pressures and career
choices in Vietnam.
[13] Pham, T. K., Tran, Q. D., & Nguyen, M. L. (2021). Respect for authority and
conformity in Vietnamese culture. Asian Journal of Social Psychology, 14(1), 45-
58.
[14] Tran, A. N., & Ho, B. T. (2022). The influence of social media on conformity
among Vietnamese youth. Journal of Media Psychology, 16(2), 90-104.
[15] General Statistics Office of Vietnam. (2023). National survey on social norms
and behaviors.