Which of the following best describes the difference between conformity and compliance?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Question restatement: The prompt asks to distinguish between conformity and compliance.
Option A states: 'Compliance involves submitting to direct requests, whereas conformity involves submitting to direct requests by an authority figure.' Here, the first half correctly notes direct requests for compliance, but the second half incorrectly links conformity to direct requests by an authority figure; conformity is about aligning with group norms through indirect social influence, not necessarily obeying a direct request. This makes A misleading.
Option B asserts: 'Conformity involves submitting to direct requests, whereas conformity involves submitting to direct requests by an authority figure.' This option is internally inconsistent and redundant, incorrectly claiming conformity involves direct requests and citing an authority figure; in reality, conformity often results from indirect social influence and normative pressure rather than direct requests.
Option C claims: 'Conformity involves submitting to indirect influence, whereas compliance involves submitting to direct requests by another person.' This aligns with standard social psychology definitions: conformity is yielding to perceived group norms or social influence that is indirect, while compliance is acquiescing to explicit, direct requests from another person. The causal directions and nature of influence are correctly matched here.
Option D says: 'Compliance involves submitting to indirect influence, whereas conformity involves submitting to direct requests.' This is the opposite of accepted definitions: compliance is about direct requests, not indirect influence; conformity is not typically framed as responding to direct requests, so this option is incorrect.
Summary of analysis: Options A and B misuse the role of direct versus indirect influence or misstate who issues the influence. Option D reverses the standard roles of compliance and conformity. Option C accurately captures that conformity is about indirect social influence, while compliance is about direct requests from another person.

PSYCH 3325 AU2025 (37320) Exam 2

Which of the following best describes the difference between conformity and compliance?

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