Final answer:
Conformity is the act of changing one's behavior to match the norms or expectations of a group, even if it goes against personal beliefs. It is influenced by reference groups and can sometimes lead to poor decision-making due to the priority given to fitting in or being accepted by the group.
Step-by-step explanation:
When individuals change their behavior to align with the group norms even if they personally disagree, this is known as conformity. It's a psychological behavior where a person goes along with a request or a demand due to the pressure of social norms, aiming to fit in or be accepted by the group. Conformity can lead to a tendency of prioritizing group cohesion, which sometimes overrides critical thinking and can result in poor decision making, especially when unanimity within the group is perceived. Instances of conformity are often seen in high school settings, where reference groups play a significant role in influencing an individual's actions and outward presentation.
In social psychology, studies such as Asch's study on conformity have shown factors that can help individuals resist the urge to conform, such as the presence of an ally or keeping one's responses private. Moreover, reference groups are important for understanding behavior, as they are the groups whose norms and values can serve as a standard for one's actions.