factors on conformity (Asch)

Question 1

group size

Answer 1

The more people in the group, the more likely people will conform. Asch found that conformity increases as the size of majority influence increases.
However, there comes a point where further increases in the size of the majority does not lead to a further increase in conformity.
1 confederate - 4% conformity, 2 confederates - 14% conformity, 3 confederates - 32% conformity, further confederates (up to 15) - 30-35% conformity.
Support for Asch’s findings comes from researchers who performed a meta-analysis on 133 studies that were similar to Asch’s from 17 different countries and they found that conformity peaks at 4-5 confederates.

Question 2

unanimity

Answer 2

Conformity rates have been found to decline when majority opinion is not unanimous.
The important factor seems to be the reduction in the majority agreement rather than the participant being given support for their opinions.
Support comes from Asch who found that if there was 1 confederate who went against the other confederates and agreed with the participant, conformity from the participant dropped to 6%.
However if the confederate went against the other confederate’s opinions and the participants opinion, then conformity was 9%.

Question 3

task difficulty

Answer 3

Greater conformity is shown as task difficulty increases, as the correct answer becomes less obvious.
This means participants will look to others for more guidance as to what the correct response is.