Studies in Conformity (Social Influence)

Question 1

Asch’s study (1951) Method

Answer 1

Laboratory experiment

Groups of 8 male students judged line lengths by saying out loud which comparison line (1,2 or 3) matched the standard line

Each group contained only one real participant and the rest were confederates. The real participant always went last or last but one

12 critical trials where the confederates all gave the same wrong answer to see if the participant would conform

Question 2

Asch’s study (1951) Results

Answer 2

75% conformed at least once

Overall conformity rate of 32%

Question 3

Asch’s study (1951) on conformity on an unambiguous task: Conclusion

Answer 3

They conformed to the majority due to NSI (they didn’t want to be seen as wrong despite feeling as though they themselves were correct).

Question 4

Variables affecting conformity

Answer 4

Group size - small majorities easy to resist then conformity stayed the same for groups larger than 4

Unanimity - One confederate would give the correct response and conformity dropped to 5% due to social support

Task Difficulty - Line length differences were reduced. Increased uncertainty increased conformity

Question 5

3 Evaluation positives for explanations for conformity and Asch

Answer 5

Asch’s research supports NSI where 75% conformed at least once to avoid rejection

Also supports ISI where task difficulty was increased so participants had to rely on the judgement of others

Limited extraneous variables due to controlled standardised procedures

Question 6

3 Evaluation negatives for explanations for conformity and Asch

Answer 6

Lacks ecological and temporal validity

Lacks mundane realism

All participants were male

Question 7

Sherif’s study (1935)

Answer 7

Sherif used a visual illusion called the autokinetic effect where a stationary dot appeared to move in a dark room. The study demonstrated that individuals confronted with a group norm will often conform to that norm in an effort to be right (ISI)