variables affecting conformity Flashcards
Name the three variables that affect conformity.
Group size.
Unanimity.
Task difficulty.
How does group size affect conformity?
Adding more confederates increases conforming up to a point, after that point adding more has no affect.
Describe how Asch (1956) shows how group size affects conformity.
1 ptp and 1 confederate = LOW/NONE
1 ptp and 2 confederate = 13%
1 ptp and 3 confederate = 32%
Adding more confederates after 3 had no effect on conformity.
How does unanimity affect conformity?
Conformity rates decline when the majority influence is not unanimous.
Describe how Asch (1956) shows how unanimity affects conformity.
The original study had unanimity where all confederates gave the wrong answer 1/3 of ptp would conform.
Conformity rates dropped as low as 5.5% when the majority influence was not unanimous.
Therefore, conformity drops if an individual goes against the majority. This is called a group dissenter.
How does task difficulty affect conformity?
As task difficulty increases, conformity increases.
How does Sherif (1935) support the effect of task difficulty on conformity?
People look to others for guidance and this leads to informational social influence occurring. In Sherif (1935), ptp will change their answer from when they were alone when they are in a group to fit in.
