Variables Affecting Conformity AO3

Question 1

Strength of Research on Variables Affecting Conformity (High Control)

Answer 1

The study maintained high control over variables (e.g., number of confederates, task difficulty), ensuring that the impact of each variable on conformity could be accurately measured.

Question 2

Strength of Research on Variables Affecting Conformity (Real-World Applications)

Answer 2

Findings have been applied to real-world contexts, such as understanding peer pressure in schools and how jury decisions can be influenced by majority opinions.

Question 3

Weakness of Research on Variables Affecting Conformity (Low Ecological Validity)

Answer 3

The use of an artificial task (line judgment) means the findings may not generalise to real-world conformity, where decisions are more complex.

Question 4

Weakness of Research on Variables Affecting Conformity (Ethical Concerns)

Answer 4

Participants were deceived about the nature of the task and the true identity of the confederates, raising ethical concerns such as lack of informed consent.