Asch 1955; Findings & Conclusions

Findings
Naïve pps conformed to the incorrect answer when judging the length of lines on 36.8% of the critical trials
In normal circumstances (without misleading majority) pps made mistakes less than 1% of the time
About 1/4 of naïve pps never conformed to the majority
Asch found that pps were consistent in their answer e.g those who started independently continued to give their own answers.
Asch found in a group of one confederate, pps did not conform. The pps conformed more as the size of the group increased (2 confederates = 13.6%, 3 confederates = 31.8%)
He also found that conformity to the majority declined if the pp had an ally who told the truth
Some of Asch's pps also reported that;
1. They conformed in order "not to spoil your results."
2. They conformed because they believed their answers were wrong
3. That they did NOT conform because of "confidence in their own judgement."
Conclusions
Social pressure makes some people conform to the majority
Some people seem to be able to resist this social pressure ad remain independent
If the majority is ot unanimous, then conformity declines
The tendency to conformity (in our society so strong that reasonably intelligent and well meaning young people are willing to call black white) is a matter of concern."

Resource summary

	Created by oliviaclifton almost 10 years ago