psychology, mori and arai (2010)

describe the aim of mori and arai’s 2010 study

the aim of mori and arai’s study was to replicate asch’s study into conformity without actors, and make it more realistic. it was to also investigate gender differences within conformity

describe the procedure of mori and arai’s 2010 study

participants used the same task as asch, but with one participant in different filter glasses allowing them to see differently

describe the results of mori and arai’s 2010 study

results showed that women conformed at 4.41%, which is similar to asch. men did not show any signs of conformity

link mori and arai to asch’s (1951) study into conformity

both studies found that when we’re put under social pressure, we often conform to fit in and be liked. mori and arai is higher in ecological validity as there were no actors involved

link mori and arai’s study to smith and bond (1996)

smith and bond found that conformity in collectivist was higher than individualist cultures, which supports mori and arai’s higher conformity rate in a collectivist cultures

what real world implications can mori and arai’s study be linked to

a report found that men are more likely to be digitally influenced online, and women are more likely to be physically influenced by those around them

connect mori and arai’s study to the psychological concept of culture

mori and arai’s conformity levels may be higher as participants were all from japan, which is a collectivist culture. meaning they are more likely to conform as collectivist cultures value group harmony and togetherness

connect mori and arai’s study to the psychological concept of gender

women often conform more than men as they typically take a more communal role, whereas men are more comfortable being independent

connect mori and arai’s study to the psychological concept of group size

when a group is larger than 3, we are more likely to conform as we feel more pressure to fit in and align with a group, especially when its unanimous. mori and arai’s conformity rates can be explained with the groups being in fours, which increases the pressure to side with a group

evaluate how mori and arai’s study having no actors is a strength

mori and arai’s study did not contain actors, which made it more realistic and participants would feel more natural acting how they normally would

evaluate how mori and arai’s task is a weakness

the task of mori and arai was not realistic, and does not affect real life. we cannot apply this to a real life scenario, making this study lower in ecological validity

what conclusions can be drawn from the results of mori and arai’s 2010 study

• when the task if more realistic, conformity levels can drop

• there are individual differences in conformity surrounding gender and culture