asch variations

asch changed the procedure (indpendent variables) to investigate which situationl factors influenced the level of conformity (dependent variables)

asch found that group size only minimally influenced whether subjects conformed. the bigger the majority group (number of confederates ) the more people conformed, but only to a certain point (32% at 3:1, up to 37% at 7:1)

Asch’s Variations – Impact of Dissent

• When just one confederate gave a different answer, conformity dropped sharply.

• Asch (1956) found that a single dissenting voice could reduce conformity by up to 80%.

• In the original study, 32% conformed; with one dissenting confederate, this fell to just 5%.

• This demonstrates the power of unanimity — when it’s broken, social pressure weakens.

• Having an ally reduces the pressure to conform and encourages independent thought.

• The absence of unanimity lowers normative social influence because individuals feel less need for group approval.

impact on Understanding of Conformity


• 
  Demonstrated that people often conform to group norms, even when they know the group is wrong.

• Highlighted the role of social pressure in shaping individual behaviour — even in simple, clear-cut tasks.

• Emphasised how social norms and group dynamics influence beliefs and decisions.

• Pioneered research into types of conformity (compliance, NSI, ISI) and influenced countless studies in social psychology.

• Showed how minority influence, dissent, and group size affect conformity — forming a foundation for later research in areas like obedience and resistance to social influence.