Obedience vs Compliance vs Conformity

[avalonisland888]

Based on my understanding, obedience is when we follow whatever an authoritative figure tells us to do whereas compliance is going along with the instructions given by some sort of institution-like group. If we're given the Milgram and Asch experiments, would we say Milgram gives us insight into obedience whereas Asch goes more along the lines of compliance? What about conformity? Wouldn't conformity also fit with the Asch experiment?

Clarifications would be much appreciated!

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[Antynamikal]

The general idea that I think is enough for the MCAT scope:

Obedience/Compliance = externally obeying despite any possible cognitive dissonance internally (the external doesnt necessarily match internal)... Ppl obey generic orders/requests...ppl comply to laws/rules

Vs.

Conformity = forsake one's norms to pick up others' patterns (the external becomes the internal)

Hope it helps

 

[Blueprint Med School]

Yeah, the source of the decision tends to be the best way to split this hair. If a third party makes you do something by their volition, you are complying. If a third party makes YOU do something on your own volition then you are conforming.

David D, MD - USMLE and MCAT Tutor
Med School Tutors