asch's research Flashcards
what are the 6 AO1 points i should know for Aschs research into conformity?
-Aim of the study
-procedure
-who were the participants
-what were the findings
-what were the conclusions
-what was the research design.
what was the aim of Aschs study?
Asch aimed to investigate the extent to which people conform to the opinion of others, even when the answer is clearly wrong.
what was the procedure of Aschs study?
participants were shown a standard line and 3 comparison lines. They had to state aloud which comparison line matched the standard line. Each participant was tested in a group with 6-8 confederates who deliberately gave wrong answers on 12 out of 18 critical trials.
Who were the participants in Asch’s study?
123 American male undergraduate students, each tested with a group of confederates.
What were the main findings of Asch’s research?
Participants conformed 36.8% of the time. 75% conformed at least once; 25% never conformed.
What did Asch conclude from his study?
People conform to a majority even when the group is clearly wrong, due to normative or informational social influence.
What variations did Asch test and what were the effects?
Group size: More confederates increased conformity up to 3.
Unanimity: Conformity dropped with a dissenting confederate.
Task difficulty: Harder tasks increased conformity.
