The purpose of this essay is to critically evaluate the characteristics that influence a person to demonstrate and adapt to conformity. This will be done by expanding theories and studies conducted to conclude behavior in different environments; including Jenness (1932), Solomon Asch (1951, 1955) and Sherif (1935). Real life examples and stories will also be included to provide an informed essay on compliance and triggers. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Conformity is a method of social influence concerning a change in behavior or beliefs in order to fit in within a group of people. Conformity can also be identified as “giving in to group pressure.” A person may choose to conform to a decision highly favored by the majority or to what appears to amount to being socially acceptable; also known as majority influence. The term conformity can often mean the desire to fit in or to be liked within social interaction. Individuals often conform when they rely on other people's guidance; be it friends, family, colleagues etc. Situational dynamics have a greater impact on shaping decision making than behavioral factors because compliance is not necessarily an everyday occurrence while a person's characteristics are innate. The value of conformity begins in childhood, this behavior is fundamental for socialization. Generally; children conform to be accepted and become part of a group; this gives a sense of belonging and security. Kelman (1958) proposes that there are three types of conformity; compliance; getting along with the crowd, even if inside you feel differently. Identification; playing a role based on social expectations rather than private opinion and, ultimately, internalization; adapt or consider opinions over personal preference or intuition. The first psychologist to study conformity was Jenness (1932). His experiment involved a glass bottle filled with beans and a group of people. They were first asked to provide their individual estimates of how many beans they thought were in the bottle. The participants were then divided into groups of three and then asked to provide estimates by speaking and discussing the number of beans in the jar. After the group talk, individual estimates were again asked to compare whether their responses were influenced by the group talk; which in turn the vast majority had changed their minds. The results demonstrate that power conformity holds in an ambiguous, group-based context. Participants changed their decision based on the belief that the group's estimate was more likely closer to the exact number of beans than their assumption. Similarly, Sherif (1935) conducted an experiment on autokinetic effects by requiring participants to provide responses in a group setting and individually, the results revealed that the responses provided in a group were similar, however the individual responses were very different. Individual behavior and decision making can ultimately be shaped by the presence of others. However, there may be pros and cons to this attitude, for example; the work environment, team games and political activism show positive results, while peer pressure and negative, non-constructive influences can lead to negative consequences. The reasons that drive people to join a groupthey can also induce them to comply, for example; gain acceptance from group members, realize aspirations that other groups intend to achieve. Social influence represents the habits and techniques by which external factors can impact and change an individual. It guides the way we behave and guides the way we think. Compliance, obedience, and conformity are all concepts of social influence. It is evident in everyday life that people adhere to unwritten social norms to systematize their lives by obeying guidelines provided by an authority figure. Changes that drive social influence can be instantaneous or delayed, intentional or unintentional, explicit or implicit. Social norms are an expected way of behaving within culture or society, once a specific way of doing something has become the norm, people conform as it seems like the right way to do things. Informational social influence. Research and paradigms have shown that when a person is challenged, they will adapt their behavior closer to what is expected from society. Solomon Asch (1951, 1955) organized a model of conformity by focusing on the theory of social influence. Candidates in Asch's experiment where they were shown one standard line and three comparison lines, after hearing the other participants' estimates, candidates had to indicate which of the three lines best matched the initial diagram shown. A large number of applicants who took part showed compliance as their responses were close if not the same as those of participants who deliberately estimated incorrectly. This experiment demonstrates that individuals placed in a potentially uncomfortable position express compliance. Compliance specifically pertaining to conformity indicates efforts made directly to change a person's behavior in a specific way. Cialdini (1994) suggested that there are 6 values ​​to achieve compliance, the first being reciprocity, maintaining power over a person's actions based on previous favor or support. Secondly, social validation; lean on others for guidance when you are uncertain. Another factor is commitment and consistency; act on a promise already made. Authority; a person deemed to have power is very likely to be respected and respected. Scarcity is the fifth value suggested by Cialdini, indicating that people value rarity and don't want to feel like they're missing out on a good opportunity. Finally, if someone is fond of another person, they are more likely to settle or compromise for that person's sake, a phenomenon known as friendship/likability. Compliance generally does not alter a person's internal view, this is a temporary phase while their behavior is under observation. For example; a child who is asked to clean his bedroom can only submit to these instructions until he is no longer observed. Conformity causes an individual driven by gain or reward to escape punishment, succumb to social pressure while internally resisting. The request that the individual accepts is implicit; a form of advertising an item without asking them to purchase it, or explicitly; a verbal wish. Another common example of compliance is driving; drivers respect the road traffic rules established by government authorities. If road users did not obey, not only would there be complete disorder, but drivers would face penalties or fines for doing so. Research has shown that conformity can vary across different cultures. The cultures.