Research Studies Into Conformity

Question 1

What was Sherif’s study called?

Answer 1

The Autokinetic Effect.

Question 2

What is the autokinetic effect?

Answer 2

The autokinetic affect is where in a completely dark room a stationary pinpoint of light appears to move. The amount it moves depends upon the individual.

Question 3

Describe how Sherif tested conformity levels.

Answer 3

• People were initially asked on their own how much the light moved and again in groups.
• Found that people’s perception on the amount of light moved conformed to a group norm when they were asked together.

Question 4

Why was Sherif’s study criticised?

Answer 4

The task was too ambiguous (there was no right answer).

Question 5

What was Asch’s aim in his Line Test Conformity study?

Answer 5

To see if individuals would conform to a majority when presented with an unambiguous task.

Question 6

What sample did Asch use in his line study?

Answer 6

123 male students for his participants and asked them to participate in a visual perception task.