8E experiments on conformity

Question 1

Asch’s aim

Answer 1

To measure the extent to which individuals would conform to a majority group.

Question 2

Asch’s method

Answer 2

1. Participant enters the room and sits at a long table with seven others (confederates). 2. The experimenter tells the group to match line X with one of the three lines (A, B or C) which best matches its length. 3. The seven confederates all give unanimously incorrect answers for 12 of the 18 trials.

Question 3

Results

Answer 3

74% of participants conformed to an incorrect answer at least once throughout the study. About 33% agreed with the incorrect answer for half or more of the trials. 24% did not conform at all throughout the study.

Question 4

Factors affecting conformity

Answer 4

• Group size
• Unanimity
• Normative influence
• Social loafing
• Informational influence
• Culture
• Deindividuation

Question 5

Group size

Answer 5

People are more likely to agree with other members of a group if it contains more people.

Question 6

Unanimity

Answer 6

It is difficult to be a minority of one and stand against the majority even when you are right and they are wrong.

Question 7

Normative influence

Answer 7

When our response in a group situation is guided by social norms.

Question 8

Social loafing

Answer 8

The tendency to make less effort when working in a group situation compared to when working alone.

Question 9

Informational influence

Answer 9

When conformity is a result of a need of direction of how to respond to a specific situation

Question 10

Culture

Answer 10

Collectivist culture - more likely to conform

Individualistic culture - less likely to conform

Question 11

Deindividuation

Answer 11

The loss of individuality that can occur is a group situation.

Question 11

Deindividuation

Answer 11

The loss of individuality that can occur is a group situation.