Psych

• What is the aim of Asch's research into conformity?

  To see if people would conform even in clear/unambiguous situations.
• How many American male student volunteers participated in Asch's experiment?

  50 American male student volunteers.
• What was the structure of the groups in Asch's experiment?

  Each group consisted of 5 to 7 confederates and one naïve participant.
• What percentage of the time did the naïve participants agree with the confederates' incorrect answers?

  On average, the naïve participants agreed 37% of the time.
• What percentage of participants never conformed in Asch's study?

  25% of the participants never gave a wrong answer.
• What are the three variables that Asch investigated in his 1955 studies affecting conformity?

  • Group size
  • Unanimity
  • Task difficulty
• How did group size affect conformity in Asch's study?

  Conformity rose to 31.8% with 3 confederates.
• What effect did introducing a non-conforming confederate have on conformity rates?

  The rate of conformity decreased to less than ¼ of the level it was when the majority was unanimous.
• How did task difficulty affect conformity in Asch's study?

  Conformity increased as the task difficulty increased.
• What is the reason for increased conformity when task difficulty is higher?

  Participants may look to others for guidance when the situation is ambiguous.
• What were the effects of the variations on Asch's original experiment?

  1. Group size increased conformity to 31.8%.
  2. Task difficulty increased conformity.
  3. Unanimity decreased conformity by 25% when a dissenter was present.
• How does the presence of a unanimous group affect an individual's conformity?

  If the whole group is unanimous, conformity will increase.
• What cultural differences did Smith et al. (2006) find regarding conformity rates?

  Collectivist cultures had a higher average conformity rate (37%) than individualist cultures (25%).
• What ethical issues were raised regarding Asch's research?

  Deception about the aim and lack of protection from psychological harm were ethical issues.
• What did Lucas et al. (2006) find regarding task difficulty and conformity?

  Ppts conformed more often to incorrect answers when the math problems were more difficult.
• How did individual confidence in math abilities affect conformity according to Lucas et al. (2006)?

  Individuals with high confidence in their math abilities conformed less on hard tasks than those with low confidence.
• What are some key evaluation points for Asch's research?

  • Gender bias: Male sample may not represent female behavior.
  • Volunteer sample may not represent the wider population.
  • Limited cultural application: Higher conformity in collectivist cultures.
  • Artificial situation leads to high demand characteristics.
  • Ethical issues: Deception and lack of protection from harm.