Solomon Asch(1951) conformity

question
Aim of the study
answer
To see whether people would change their behaviour to conform with others, even though they know they are right.
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Hypothesis
answer
It was hypothesised that from a group of 5 participants that when a confederate answered a question incorrectly, the participant would say the same answer even though they know the right one.
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Participant selection
answer
All male. Were deceived about the experiment.
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Experimental conditions and variables
answer
In a room that contained 6 male confederates and an experimenter that sat at a table. They were told that they were taking part in a 'psychological experiment on visual judgement'.
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Main results obtained
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About 75% of participants agreed to an incorrect answer at least once during the trials. Roughly around 33% of participants agreed with half or more of the trials. 24% did not conform at all with incorrect responses. They knew they were right but went along with others because they didn't want to change the results or create conflict among the confederates.
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Conclusion
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Conformity increases with group size, up to a group of 4. in a 4+ group the participant may suspect that people are just copying each other, thus not wanting to do the same. In a smaller group, the individual would think that the other people answers are independent.
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Generalisation
answer
This experiment has validity among classrooms, friendship groups and other social settings.
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Criticisms
answer
Males only.
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Ethical issues
answer
Deception.
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question
Aim of the study
answer
To see whether people would change their behaviour to conform with others, even though they know they are right.
question
Hypothesis
answer
It was hypothesised that from a group of 5 participants that when a confederate answered a question incorrectly, the participant would say the same answer even though they know the right one.
question
Participant selection
answer
All male. Were deceived about the experiment.
question
Experimental conditions and variables
answer
In a room that contained 6 male confederates and an experimenter that sat at a table. They were told that they were taking part in a 'psychological experiment on visual judgement'.
question
Main results obtained
answer
About 75% of participants agreed to an incorrect answer at least once during the trials. Roughly around 33% of participants agreed with half or more of the trials. 24% did not conform at all with incorrect responses. They knew they were right but went along with others because they didn't want to change the results or create conflict among the confederates.
question
Conclusion
answer
Conformity increases with group size, up to a group of 4. in a 4+ group the participant may suspect that people are just copying each other, thus not wanting to do the same. In a smaller group, the individual would think that the other people answers are independent.
question
Generalisation
answer
This experiment has validity among classrooms, friendship groups and other social settings.
question
Criticisms
answer
Males only.
question
Ethical issues
answer
Deception.
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