Variables affecting conformity

Question 1

Outline Asch (1956) procedure.

Answer 1

Individual ppts seated with confederates and asked to judge lines of different lengths and match one of these to a ‘standard line’.
On 12/18 trials, confederates were instructured to give same wrong answer.
Asch wanted to see RL pppts went along and conformed to majority.

Question 2

Outline Asch (1956) findings.

Answer 2

• average conformity rate =33%
• 1/4 never conformed
• 1/20 conformed on all 12 critical trials.
• the majority of those who conformed admitted to only changing public behaviour to avoid dissaprova; from group.

Question 3

One variable affecting conformity is GS, explain this in full.

Answer 3

• Little conformity rate with majority 1-2 but above conformity rose to up to 30%
• GS more significant in absence of objectively correct answer and when individual less concerned about fitting in.
• Less sig when there is a correct response and the individual is concerened about being correct.

Question 4

One variable affecting conformity is U of M, explain this in full.

Answer 4

*When confederate gave correct answers, conformity dropped to 5.5%
* Even when a confederate went against majority, giving a wrong answer, conformity rates dropped to 9%
*suggests breaking unanimity of majority key factor in reducing conformity rates.

Question 5

One variable affecting conformity is D of T, explain this in full.

Answer 5

• when task difficulty was increased (smaller dif between line lengths), conformity levels also increased.
  *the relationship between task difficulty and conformity is moderated by self-efficacy. (confidence in ones ability).
• individuals - high SE, more likely to remain independent, regardless of task difficulty.

Question 6

A03- Asch research may be a ‘child of its time’
Perrin and Spencer (1980)

Answer 6

P- Asch’s findings may be unique because study took place in a period of US history where conformity more important.
E- P+S repeated A study with UK students but obtained no conformity. However, in subsequent study, with youths on probation as ppts and probation officers as confederates, found similar levels of conformity to A.
L- This confirmed that conformity is more likely if perceived costs of not are high. (McCarthy ERA)

Question 7

A03- Problems determining effect of GS
Bond(2005)

Answer 7

P- B suggests limitation of research in conformity is that studies have only used a limited range of majority sizes.
E- B states no studies other than A used majority size greater than 9, and range of majority sizes is narrower (2-4)
L- This suggests B we know little about effect of larger majority sizes on conformity levels.

Question 8

A03- A study showed independent behavior rather than conformity.

Answer 8

P- In A only 1/3 of critical trials produced a conforming response.
E- 2/3 trials the ppts stuck to original judgement despite faced with overwhelming majority expressing a diff view.
L- A believed that, because ppts tended to stick to what they believed to be correct , this was evidence of IB rather than C.

Question 9

A03 PLUS- There are cultural differences in conformity
Smith(2006)

Answer 9

P- We are likely to find diff levels of conformity depending on culture in which a study takes place.
E- S analysed results of conformity studies across diff cultures. Individualist Average conformity rate = 25% collectivist Av CR= 37%
L-- researchers have suggested the reasons CR higher in collectivist cultures is because conforming is viewed more favourably.