What distinguishes conformity from obedience?

Conformity is distinguished from obedience primarily due to the nature of the influence that drives each behavior. Conformity occurs when individuals adjust their behaviors or beliefs to align with those of a group, often driven by social pressures or the desire to fit in. It is a more informal process where individuals voluntarily adopt the norms or behaviors of their peers without direct orders or commands.

On the other hand, obedience involves compliance with a request or command that comes from an authority figure. This means that in situations of obedience, individuals feel compelled to follow orders, which often have a hierarchical structure. The power dynamics at play in obedience differentiate it from conformity, where the influence is more about social norms and peer acceptance rather than a top-down directive.

The other choices may embody elements of conformity or obedience but do not accurately capture the core distinctions between them. For example, the mention of rules or changing beliefs isn't a defining feature that separates the two behaviors clearly, nor do factors like voluntary versus mandatory compliance or the distinction between social and organizational contexts fully encompass the fundamental difference related to the source of influence.