Variables Affecting Conformity

Question 1

What was the purpose of Asch’s study?

Answer 1

To investigate how a lone pp would react to the behaviour of confederates.

Question 2

What was the procedure of Asch’s study?

Answer 2

Sample: 123 male undergrads
18 trials - 12 where confederates all gave wrong answer.
Asked to look at 3 lines and say which was the same as ‘standard line’.
Fairly obvious.
Real pp answered second to last.

Question 3

What were the findings of Asch’s study??

Answer 3

-12 critical trials - 33% conformity rate
-25% didn’t conform at all.
-Interviews revealed pps trusted their own answers but conformed due to fear of disapproval.

Question 4

What 3 factors impacted conformity, according to Asch?

Answer 4

1. Group size - conformity rose.
2. Unanimity - more likely to conform if whole group was unanimous.
3. Task difficulty

Question 5

What are two limitations of Asch’s study?

Answer 5

1. May be historically biased (conducted 1950s)
   Perrin and Spencer (80s): only one conforming response out of 396 trials.
   Society was more conformist during 1950s - straight after WWII.
2. Culturally biased
   Smith et al: individualistic cultures - average rate 25%. Collectivist - 37%.
   Shows conformity is higher in collectivist cultures.

Question 6

What is one strength of Asch’s study?

Answer 6

1. Research support.
   Lucas et al: pps solved hard + easy math problems.
   Conformed to an incorrect answer when problem became increasing,y difficult
   Shows task difficulty impacts conformity.