Variables that affect conformity in Asch’s study

How did group size affect conformity?

Varied the number of confederates.

With only one confederate conformity was low (3%)

With three confederates conformity rose to (32%)

How does unanimity affect conformity?

Unanimous in wrong answer conformity levels increased.

A dissenter who gave a different answer made conformity rates drop.

Shows dissenters give confederates confidence

How does task difficulty affect conformity?

When the difference between the lines was made smaller conformity rates increased

When answer was obvious conformity levels decreased

They look to the group for guidance when difficult

Explain practical insights into social influence as a strength

Provided valuable information about conformity. Which has a practical application to understanding behvaiour in real life. However the study was not representative of real life settings

Explain supporting research for task difficulty as a strength

Lucas eg al found participants more likely to conform when solving hard maths problems. Nature of the task and perceived difficulty can influence conformity.

Explain group size overlooking importance of group composition as a limitation

Williams and Sogon study found conformity was higher when the majority of the group were friends. More likely to conform with people they know. Highlights that social relationships and context play a crucial role

Explain effects of unanimity are not straight forward as a limitation

Allen and Levine found that the presence of a dissenting partner only reduced conformity when the partner was seen as a credible source. Less likely to conform to someone wearing glasses. The perceived expertise or confidence of dissenter matter, rather than unanimity being a influential factor on its own