Conformity

Conformity

When people change how they act to match the behaviors or beliefs of those around them.

Jennes Experiment (1932)

The first study of conformity using guesses on the number of beans in a jar, where participants changed their answers after learning others' guesses.

Muzzar Experiment

An experiment that showed participants tended to guess similarly about the distance a small speck of light traveled.

Ashe's Line Judgment Experiment

A 1951 study demonstrating group pressure where many conformed to incorrect group answers.

Group Size

A factor affecting conformity where larger groups increase the desire to fit in.

Status of Members

A factor affecting conformity where knowledgeable members gain trust and influence conformity.

Public vs Private Response

People are more likely to provide the correct answer privately rather than publicly due to fear of judgment.

Groupthink

A term defined by Irving Janis in 1972 explaining bad decisions made by groups ignoring alternatives and consequences.

Symptoms of Groupthink

Characteristics of groupthink include self-censorship, stereotyping enemies, and direct pressure on dissenters.

Bystander Effect

The phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help in an emergency when more people are present.

Self-awareness in Bystander Effect

An individual's concern about being judged by an audience may inhibit their action in emergencies.

Social Cues

Behavior influences where individuals look to others for guidance on how to act in a given situation.

Blocking Mechanisms

In emergencies, individuals stepping in may inadvertently prevent others from acting.

Diffusion of Responsibility

The belief that someone else will take action, which decreases individual likelihood to help.

False Consensus

The assumption that others share the same beliefs or viewpoints as oneself.