Situational Variables Affecting Conformity Flashcards
Asch carried out many variations of his original experiment to find out which variables had the most significant effects on the amount of confirmity.
Describe the ‘Difficultly of task’ variation
The task was much more ambiguous i.e. by making the lines closer in length
What effect did increasing the ambiguity of the task have on conformity?
It increased conformity?
What was the reason for the change of behaviour once the task was made more difficult?
They felt the confederates answers were correct.
Describe the ‘Unanimity’ variable?
One of the confederates always gave the correct answer
What effect did unanimity have on conformity levels?
Reduced conformity TO 5% from the orignal 75%
What was the reason for the change of behaviour in the unanimity variable?
They no longer felt alone and had some support
Describe the ‘group size’ variable
There were only 2 confederates compared to the original 6.
What effect did group size have on conformity?
Reduced conformity to 3%
Reason for the behaviour as a consequence of change in group size?
They felt less pressure as the majority was smaller
