asch's study of conformity Flashcards
outline key information for Asch’s research
- tested conformity by showing participants lines
- 123 participants + confederates
what were the findings of the conformity test
37% incorrect responses by naive participants
25% didnt conform
75% conformed at least once
what was Asch’s research into
conformity
once interviewed after the test, what did most participants say was reason for conforming - ASCH research
the conformed to avoid rejection (NSI)
what are asch’s variations
-group size
- task difficulty
- unanimity
why were asch’s variations created
to understand what may have lead to increase or decrease in conforming
how many variations did Asch create
3
what were the 3 variations of conformity
- group size
- unanimity
- task difficulty
expand on group size being a variation of conformity
conformity tends to increase as size of group increases but only to certain point
what are the variables affecting conformity
- group size
- unanimity
- task difficulty
expand on task difficulty being a variable affecting conformity
the harder the task the more likely conformity will increase - naive PTT assume majority is correct
define unanimity
unanimity is the extend to which all members of group agree on one answer
expand on unanimity being a variable affecting conformity (asch study)
majority was unanimous when all confeds selected same line
- greater conformity in naiive PTTs
evaluation points for Ach’s research into conformity
- ethical issues (LIMITATION)
- artificial situation and tasks (LIMITATION)
expand on ethical issues being an evaluation point for Asch’s research into conformity
- asch failed to meet BPS guidelines
- PTT told were participating in visual perception test when actually being studied on conforming (DECEPTION)
- research considered limited due to PTTs being exposed to ethical problems
expand on artificial situations and tasks being an evaluation point for asch’s research into conformity
- PTT knew they were in research study so may have purposely gone along with demands (demand characteristics)
- naive PTTs didnt fully represent a ‘group’ in real life
- findings dont generalise to everyday situations
