Research Studies Into Conformity Flashcards
What was Sherif’s study called?
The Autokinetic Effect.
What is the autokinetic effect?
The autokinetic affect is where in a completely dark room a stationary pinpoint of light appears to move. The amount it moves depends upon the individual.
Describe how Sherif tested conformity levels.
• People were initially asked on their own how much the light moved and again in groups.
• Found that people’s perception on the amount of light moved conformed to a group norm when they were asked together.
Why was Sherif’s study criticised?
The task was too ambiguous (there was no right answer).
What was Asch’s aim in his Line Test Conformity study?
To see if individuals would conform to a majority when presented with an unambiguous task.
What sample did Asch use in his line study?
123 male students for his participants and asked them to participate in a visual perception task.
