Rosie and her three friends are discussing where to go on holiday but their budget is limited - Scottish Highers Psychology - Question 5(a) - 2019

Rosie's decision to conform to her friends' wish to go abroad can be attributed to various factors influencing conformity. These factors include:

Normative Social Influence

Rosie may have experienced normative social influence, where she conforms to be accepted by her peers. This is particularly relevant in social situations like holiday planning, where group harmony is valued.

Research Evidence

Research by Asch (1951) illustrates this concept, revealing that individuals often go along with the majority's opinion even if they privately disagree. This suggests that the desire for acceptance can outweigh individual preferences.

Group Size and Unanimity

Another factor is the group size; with three friends advocating for one choice, Rosie may have felt pressure due to the majority's opinion. Additionally, the unanimity of her friends' request likely increased the likelihood of her conformity, as noted by Janis (1982).

Self-Esteem Impact

Moreover, low self-esteem could have played a role. According to studies, individuals with lower self-esteem are more likely to conform, possibly due to a reliance on others for validation. If Rosie feels uncertain about her choice, conforming to the group's decision may provide her a sense of security.

Conclusion

In essence, Rosie’s decision can be seen as a combination of normative influence, the dynamics of group size, and individual self-esteem factors, all of which could urge her to conform to her friends' preferences.