Asch's Research - Conformity

• Conformity - Asch's Research

  Asch's research demonstrated NSI

  • Lab experiment
  • Independent groups
  • Only one real participant was in each group
  • Judged line lengths by saying which matched the standard line, out loud
  • Real participant was the last to voice their answer
  • In the critical condition 75% of participants conformed at least once
  • In the control group 0.7% conformed - gave answers in isolation
• Factors affecting conformity

  • Group size - More confederates increases conformity. No increase after 3 confederates
  • Unanimity - Decreases conformity. If a non-conformer confederate picks a different answer from the majority, you are more likely to select your original answer. Breaks unanimity
  • Task difficulty-Increases conformity. Answers become more ambiguous so we look to our peers for support