Variables Influencing Conformity

Question 1

what did Asch’s research suggest with regard to the effect of group size on conformity?

Answer 1

conformity increased as the number of confederates rose from 1 to 3 but after this the group size didn’t make much difference.

Question 2

is there any evidence to suggest Asch’s findings on group size are reliable?

Answer 2

• Meta analysis by Bond (2005) found conformity to be similar with group sizes similar to Asch’s.
• Latane & Wolf (1981) suggested that adding more numbers to the majority can increase conformity.

Question 3

How might the type of task be important when considering the effect of group size on conformity?

Answer 3

• Campbell & Fairey (1989) suggested that when the task is related to personal preference the group size has a linear effect. (more people leads to more conformity).
• however when the task included a correct answer the views of just a couple of people has little further effect on conformity.

Question 4

according to Asch’s research what happens when the majority is no longer unanimous and there is a dissenter present?

Answer 4

• Majority is no longer unanimous leading to conformity decreasing from 37% of critical trials to 5. 5%.
• The presence of a dissenter leads to a reduction in conformity because the dissenter provides useful information about the correct response and reduces the need for group social approval.

Question 5

does the dissenter need to give the correct response to influence the rate of conformity?

Answer 5

no because Asch’s research showed that even giving an incorrect answer will affect the rate of conformity as it is the breaking of unanimity that affects the rate of conformity

Question 6

which has the greater impact on conformity – group size or unanimity?

Answer 6

• Asch suggested that unanimity is more important as this will have a stronger effect on behaviour.

Question 7

What did Asch’s findings indicate with regard to the influence of task difficulty on the rate of conformity?

Answer 7

if the task is difficult the rate of conformity increases.

Question 8

what does other research suggest with regard to the impact of task difficulty on conformity?

Answer 8

• Lucas et al (2006):
  found a greater level of conformity when the maths problems were harder.
  this was particularly so if participants doubted their abilities however if the task is familiar conformity is less likely to be demonstrated.

Question 9

What do individual differences suggest about conformity?

Answer 9

conformity has been found to be higher amongst those who have low self-esteem are concerned about social relationships and have a strong need for social approval.