Variables Affecting Conformity

Question 1

Identify the 3 variables found to affect conformity.

Answer 1

Group size, unanimity and task difficulty.

Question 2

Outline Asch’s research into group size variation.

Answer 2

Asch varied the number of confederates in the line judgement task from 1-15. He found that conformity rates increased with group size but only up until a majority of 3.

Question 3

Outline Asch’s research into unanimity variations.

Answer 3

Asch instructed one confederate to give a different incorrect answer or the correct answer. Breaking the unanimity of the majority led to reduced conformity rates.

Question 4

Outline Asch’s research into task difficulty variation.

Answer 4

Asch made the line judgement task more difficult by making the line lengths more similar. He found that conformity rates increased when the task was more difficult.

Question 5

Evaluate a strength of Asch’s research into variables affecting conformity.

Answer 5

It provides information as to why people conform, e.g., larger groups increase conformity rates due to normative social influence.

Question 6

Evaluate another strength of Asch’s research.

Answer 6

There was a high level of control as Asch altered one variable at a time while keeping others constant, enhancing confidence in cause and effect.

Question 7

What is a limitation of research into variables affecting conformity?

Answer 7

It took a nomothetic approach, which may not be suitable as some participants never conformed despite similar conditions.

Question 8

Provide an example of individual differences in conformity rates.

Answer 8

Group size may not influence those less concerned about fitting in, such as older individuals.