Lesson 3 - Variables affecting conformity

Question 1

Outline the procedure for Asch’s study.

Answer 1

Placed a PP in a group of confederates, were asked to look at a line and individually decide which of 3 lines was same length. Gave answers one by one and PP was always at the end.

Question 2

Outline the findings from Asch’s study.

Answer 2

33% of responses given by PPs were incorrect. 75% conformed in at least one. 25% in none

Question 3

How does group size affect conformity?

Answer 3

Groups with 2 confeds had 13% conformity, groups with 3 confeds had 32% conformity. Shows 2 is easy to resist but 3 is harder.

Question 4

How does task difficulty affect conformity?

Answer 4

Asch made task harder by making lines similar length. As a result, conformity increased. Harder task = More conformity

Question 5

How does unanimity affect conformity?

Answer 5

When group was unanimous, conformity increased. Even one different answer reduced conformity

Question 6

What is a drawback of Aschs study?

Answer 6

Lacks temporal validity. Done 80 years ago

Question 7

What is a weakness of Asch’s study?

Answer 7

Gender biased - only done using males

Question 8

Is Asch’s study realistic?

Answer 8

No, task lacks mundane realism and has low ecological validity. Negative of the study