conformity

Examples of conformity in the following topics:

• Butane Conformations

  • Among these we shall focus on two staggered conformers (A & C) and two eclipsed conformers (B & D), shown below in several stereo-representations.
  • As in the case of ethane, the staggered conformers are more stable than the eclipsed conformers by 2.8 to 4.5 kcal/mol.
  • The model below is shown in conformation D.
  • (iv) Staggered conformations about carbon-carbon single bonds are more stable (have a lower potential energy) than the corresponding eclipsed conformations.
  • (v) In butane the gauche-conformer is less stable than the anti-conformer by about 0.9 kcal/mol.

• Ethane Conformations

  • The simple alkane ethane provides a good introduction to conformational analysis.
  • In the following description of these conformers, several structural notations are used.
  • As a result of bond-electron repulsions, illustrated on the right above, the eclipsed conformation is less stable than the staggered conformation by roughly 3 kcal / mol (eclipsing strain).
  • The most severe repulsions in the eclipsed conformation are depicted by the red arrows.
  • Although the conformers of ethane are in rapid equilibrium with each other, the 3 kcal/mol energy difference leads to a substantial preponderance of staggered conformers (> 99.9%) at any given time.

• Conformity

  • Conformity is the most common and pervasive form of social influence.
  • While high levels of conformity can be detrimental, a certain amount of conformity is necessary and normal, and even essential for a community to function.
  • A number of factors are known to increase the likelihood of conformity within a group.
  • Solomon Asch's conformity experiments are one of the best-known illustrations of conformity.
  • Group size also influenced levels of conformity such that smaller groups resulted in less conformity than larger groups.

• Conformational Enantiomorphism

  • The eclipsed orientation of bonds that is assumed in the Fischer drawing is, however, an unstable conformation, and we should examine the staggered conformers that undoubtedly make up most of the sample molecules.
  • The four structures that are shown to the right of the Fischer projection consist of the achiral Fischer conformation (A) and three staggered conformers, all displayed in both sawhorse and Newman projections.
  • The third conformer (C) has a center of symmetry and is achiral.
  • Equilibria among the various conformations are rapidly established, and the proportion of each conformer present at equilibrium depends on its relative potential energy (the most stable conformers predominate).
  • The left hand compound is held in a twisted conformation by the bridging carbon chain.

• General Summary of Isomerism and Molecular DescriptorsInclude Relationship of Constitutional and Stereoisomers and Relationships of Stereoisomers

  • The chair conformer of the cis 1,2-dichloro isomer is chiral.
  • The diequatorial conformer predominates in each case, the (R,R) conformations being mirror images of the (S,S) conformations.
  • All these conformations are diastereomeric with the cis conformations.
  • For these isomers, however, this interconversion produces an identical conformer, so each enantiomer (R,R) and (S,S) has predominately a single chiral conformation.
  • These enantiomeric conformations are diastereomeric with the cis conformations.

• The Asch Experiment: The Power of Peer Pressure

  • The Asch conformity experiments were a series of studies conducted in the 1950s that demonstrated the power of conformity in groups.
  • Conducted by social psychologist Solomon Asch of Swarthmore College, the Asch conformity experiments were a series of studies published in the 1950s that demonstrated the power of conformity in groups.
  • Asch thought that the majority of people would not conform to something obviously wrong, but the results showed that only 24% of the participants did not conform on any trial.
  • Conformity is also higher among members of an in-group.
  • Explain how the Asch experiment sought to measure conformity in groups

• Conformity and Obedience

  • Conformity is the act of matching attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to group norms.
  • Conformity is the act of matching attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to group norms.
  • Conformity can occur in the presence of others, or when an individual is alone.
  • As conformity is a group phenomenon, factors such as group size, unanimity, cohesion, status, prior commitment, and public opinion help determine the level of conformity an individual displays.
  • Asch conducted a classic study of conformity.

• Conformational Stereoisomers

  • We call these different spatial orientations of the atoms of a molecule that result from rotations or twisting about single bonds conformations.
  • Many conformations of hexane are possible and two are illustrated below.

• Steroids

  • In the conformational drawings the ring fusion and the angular hydrogens are black.
  • This difference is roughly three times the energy of a gauche butane conformer relative to its anti conformer.
  • Indeed three gauche butane interactions may be identified in each of the cis-decalin conformations, as will be displayed by clicking on the above conformational diagram.
  • Consequently, the steroid molecule is locked in the all chair conformation shown here.
  • However the high energy of boat conformers relative to chairs would make such structures minor components in the overall ensemble of conformations available to these molecules.

• Social Control Theory

  • Social control theory argues that relationships, commitments, values, and beliefs encourage conformity.
  • Toby argued that individuals engaged in non-delinquent community activities felt as thought they had too much to lose by joining delinquent groups and, hence, had a "stake in conformity."
  • This stands in contrast to external means of control, in which individuals conform because an authority figure (such as the state) threatens sanctions should the individual disobey.
  • Toby argued that individuals engaged in non-delinquent community activities felt as thought they had too much to lose by joining delinquent groups and, hence, had a "stake in conformity."
  • The notion of an individual being shaped by his ties to his community, of having a "stake in conformity," laid the groundwork for the idea of internalized norms that act as a method of social control.