Solomon Asch(1951) conformity

Hypothesis

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.

Aim of the study

To see whether people would change their behaviour to conform with others, even though they know they are right.

Experimental conditions and variables

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'.

Main results obtained

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.

Participant selection

All male. Were deceived about the experiment.

Conclusion

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.

Ethical issues

Deception.

Criticisms

Males only.

Generalisation

This experiment has validity among classrooms, friendship groups and other social settings.