What is meant by informational conformity?

Informational conformity is a social influence process where an individual changes their beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors because they believe that others possess more accurate or useful information. This often occurs in situations where the individual is uncertain or lacks knowledge, leading them to look to others for guidance. The belief that the group or individuals have insights that one does not enhances the likelihood of adopting those behaviors or beliefs.

This type of conformity is driven by the desire to be correct and is often seen in ambiguous situations where individuals are unsure of how to act. For example, if someone is in a new environment or faced with a difficult decision, they may look to the actions or opinions of a group, trusting that the group’s behavior is based on facts that they may not be privy to.

In contrast, the other options describe different aspects of social influence or conformity. Obligation to conform relates more to normative conformity, which is driven by social pressures rather than a belief in others' superior knowledge or skills. Resisting group pressure due to personal beliefs indicates a strong stance against conformity, showing independence rather than reliance on group information. Ignoring group feedback isn't relevant to the process of conformity at all, as it suggests a complete disregard for others, which is the opposite of what