Social Conformity and Attitude Change Within Nonlaboratory Groups

The attempt is made to utilize the findings of experimental studies to account for conformity in non-laboratory, small groups. Conformity is examined in 42 training groups of supervisory-level, professional nurses. The results suggest that laboratory findings can not be applied directly to the non-laboratory situation. A model incorporating direction of deviance, change in group norms, and the social context surrounding the group is developed. The findings indicate that at least these variables must be involved in the attempt to account for conformity in non-laboratory groups.