Final answer:
Sometimes, we change our behaviors to be liked and this is known as normative conformity. Normative social influence entails conforming to group norms to be accepted, which differs from informational social influence that stems from the belief in the group's knowledge or accuracy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sometimes, we change our attitudes or behaviors to match those of other people because we want to be liked. This is called normative conformity. Normative social influence is where individuals conform to a group norm to fit in, feel good, and to be accepted by the group. This is different from informational social influence where conformity is driven by the belief that the group has correct information, especially in unclear or ambiguous situations. In the widely-known Asch conformity studies, participants conformed to the incorrect majority due to normative social influence; they wanted to fit in and avoid ridicule, even though the correct answer was obvious to them.
Conformity plays a significant role in how individuals interact within social groups, with reference groups serving as a standard for behavior. It reflects the degree to which individuals comply with group norms or expectations. The influence of conformity can be seen in day-to-day situations, such as a student choosing to wear certain clothes to fit in with their peers. It's important to distinguish between normative and informational social influence when understanding why people conform in different scenarios.