Evaluating explanations of conformity

• Supporting evidence Jenness (1932) asked participants to estimate the number of beans in a glass jar, first individually and then in a group. When asked individually, participants gave an estimate which was much more like that of the group. ​

  Showing informational social influence, in ambiguous tasks, and seeking guidance from others.
• Opposing evidence

  Mori and Arai (2010) repeated the Asch experiment in Japan and found that female participants were more likely to conform than males.​
• Application

  Informational social influence - explains conformity on ambiguous/difficult day to day tasks.​

  Normative social influence - explains conformity on unambiguous/ easy day to day tasks.​