Variables Affecting Conformity

Question 1

What three variations were tested by Asch

Hint: GUT

Answer 1

Group Size
Unanimity
Task Difficulty

Question 2

What did Asch find (the results) when investigating group size and its affect on conformity

Answer 2

2 confederates = p.t conformed on 13% of critical trials
3 confederates = p.t conformed on 32% of critical trials
7 confederates = p.t conformed on 37% of critical trials

Question 3

What did we conclude from how group size affects conformity

Answer 3

The group size affects conformity rates as the group gets larger — the optimum number was 7 as after that it plateaus

Question 4

What did Asch find when researching the affects of unanimity on conformity

Answer 4

Asch found that conformity reduced to 5% when one confederate gave a different answer to the rest of the group that was correct

Asch found that conformity reduced to 9% when one confederate gave a different answer to the rest of the group that was incorrect

Question 5

What did Asch conclude about conformity and unanimity

Answer 5

If someone else I the group agrees with you or disagrees with the group you’re less likely to conform

Question 6

What did Asch conclude from task difficulty on conformity

Answer 6

If you’re more confident in the task, you’re less likely to conform — conformity is less likely
However if the task is more difficult we are more likely to conform

Question 7

Strength of variables affecting conformity

Answer 7

P: Asch carried out a number of variations of his original line matching task
E: the variables affecting conformity are supported in the findings of these variations
E: for example, breaking the unanimity of the group decreases conformity
L: thus shows validity in the argument that a range of variables will affect whether people conform or not

Question 8

Weakness of variables affecting conformity

Answer 8

P: cultural differences may explain conformity
E: smith et al (2006) found the following conformity rates — individualistic cultures (25%) and collectivist cultures (37%)
E: this means that there may be alternative factors when explaining conformity
L: Aschs variation may need to be looked at in context of culture when explaining conformity