Conformity results from the combination of which needs?

• A. The need to be accurate and the need to belong.
• B. The need for power and control.
• C. The need for novelty and risk.
• D. The need for independence.

Answer: (A)

Conformity arises from two social motivations working together: the desire to belong and the desire to be accurate. The need to belong pushes people to align with the group to gain social acceptance and avoid rejection, so they may go along with the group even if they privately doubt it. The need to be accurate makes people look to others as a source of information when a situation is ambiguous or uncertain, so they adopt the group’s behavior hoping it reflects the right answer. When both motivations are at play, individuals adjust what they think or do to fit the group while also trying to act in line with what seems correct. This interplay explains why people conform: they want to be accepted and they want to be correct.