Final answer:
Conformity in psychology is when individuals change their behavior to align with group norms or expectations, often as a result of social pressure or the influence of authority figures.
Step-by-step explanation:
In psychology, conformity is the extent to which an individual complies with group norms or expectations. Conformity can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the desire to fit into a group, the belief that the group has the correct information, and the influence of authority figures as demonstrated in Stanley Milgram's experiment or by the presence of a unanimous majority as seen in Solomon Asch's experiments. Conformity can lead to people acting against their own beliefs or making ethical compromises under group pressure. The reasons individuals conform can be complex, involving aspects of social psychology such as cognitive dissonance and the desire for social harmony within collectivist cultures or formal organizations. Conformity is the extent to which an individual complies with group norms or expectations. It can be seen in various situations, such as dress code or behavior. For example, a high school boy who is required to wear formal shirts by his mother may feel the pressure to conform to his peers who wear t-shirts. Conformity can also be influenced by factors like reference groups and standing out. The classic experiments by Solomon Asch and Stanley Milgram illustrate how strong the drive to conform can be and highlight the difference between conformity (peer influence) and obedience (authority influence).