variables affecting conformity - asch

• asch line study


  tested conformity by showing line and asking to match to three comparison lines, gave answer out loud.

  • 123 american male undergrad students
  • one real participant and six to eight confederates
  • 12/18 trials, confederate all gave same wrong answer - critical trials
• asch's line study conclusion

  • participant gave wrong answer 32% of the time
  • 25% didn't conform
  • coined asch effect, conform even when situation or answer is obvious
• three variables affecting conformity

  group size, unanimity of majority, task difficulty
• group size


  varied number of confederates from 1 to 16

  3 or more confederates meant the conformity rate was 31.8%
• unanimity of majority


  non-conforming confederate who disagreed with rest of the group

  dissenting confederate decreased conformity rate by a quarter
• task difficulty


  difference in line smaller

  conformity increased

  informational social influence plays greater role when task is harder