What motivates individuals to conform due to normative social influence?

Individuals conform due to normative social influence primarily because they have a desire to be liked and accepted by others. This type of influence occurs when people change their behavior or attitudes to meet the expectations of a group, often to avoid social rejection or to gain social approval. The pressure to conform stems from the need for social connection and belonging, making individuals more likely to adopt behaviors or beliefs that align with those of the group, even if they do not personally agree with them.

In contrast to this, the other options pertain to different types of motivations. The desire to possess accurate information or seeking personal understanding relate more to informational social influence, where individuals conform to gain knowledge or learn from others. Adhering to rules and regulations suggests compliance driven by established norms or policies, which does not inherently stem from a need for social acceptance but rather from a sense of duty or obligation. Thus, the correct answer highlights the social aspect of conformity, emphasizing the importance of interpersonal relationships and group acceptance.