Theories about conforming

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Here are academic theories about how we seek to conform with others.

• Acquiescence Effect: We answer more in the positive than negative.
• Bystander Effect: the more bystanders, the less likely it is one will help.
• Consistency Theory: we seek the comfort of internal alignment.
• Commitment: we feel obliged to complete a public commitment.
• Communication Accommodation Theory: we morph to be like others.
• Epistemological Weighting Hypothesis: conformance depends on how closely our norms match group norms.
• Group Locomotion Hypothesis: members are motivated to achieve group goals.
• Groupthink: maintenance of group cohesion becomes all-important.
• Impression Management: we behave well when we are being watched.
• Informational Social Influence: when we don't know what to do, we copy others.
• Just-world phenomenon: Good and bad will be rewarded and punished.
• Normative Social Influence: basic group need forces us to conform.
• Pluralistic Ignorance: sometimes most people disagree with a group norm, but nobody speaks out.
• Politeness Theory: we act politely or rudely depending on whether we care.
• Reciprocity Norm: we need to return another's favor.
• Roles: we conform with shared expectations of behavior.
• Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: acting how we are treated.
• Self-Monitoring Behavior: we are affected by how others see us.
• Social Desirability Bias: we follow social rules when we are watched.
• Social Impact Theory: how we behave depends on how many, etc. are watching.
• Social Influence: How we are strongly influenced by others.
• Social Learning Theory: we learn much by watching others, thinking, then trying it out.
• Social Norms: groups have rules that must be followed. 
• Spiral of Silence Theory: we keep quiet if we are in the minority (and vice versa).

See also

Conformity, Belonging, Values

Theories about being contrary

Theories about groups

Theories about friendship