Evaluation Of Aschs Research

Question 1

Strength- Controlled lab conditions

Answer 1

P- Study carried out under controlled laboratory conditions
E- could control variables and eliminate any extraneous variables and establish a cause and effect relationship between the IV and DV
L- research has high internal validity as no extraneous variables will effect the DV

Question 2

Weakness- Cultural differences

Answer 2

P- does not account for cultural differences in conformity
E- smith and bond found that people in collectivist cultures show higher levels of conformity compared to those who live in individualistic cultures
L- weakness because Asch’s findings may only apply to individualistic cultures and be culturally bias

Question 3

Weakness- Ethical issues

Answer 3

P- deception, lack of informed consent and psychological harm involved with the study
E- P’s didn’t know they were taking part in a study on conformity so they didn’t consent, Ps had raised blood pressure and heart rates in Asch-like studies
L- questions the credibility of psychological research

Question 4

Strength- Sample choice

Answer 4

P- the sample used was a good
E- the sample size was large with Ps from a similar age and background
L- the sample reflects how individuals conform in peer groups of the real world