Size of group: Asch found that
conformity tends to increase as the
size of group increases, meaning
independent behaviour decreases/
one confederate: 97%
independent behaviour
two = 87% and three =
68%
Situational factors will affect
rates of independent behaviour.
People are more likely to show
independent behaviour in a
smaller group.
Situational: Obedience
Legitimate authority: independent
behaviour increases when no legitmate
authority is present. Bickman found this by
using uniforms.
Independent behaviour in
Bickmans study: Guard 10% civilian 90%
Situational factors will affect rates of
independent behaviour. People are more
likely to show this behaviour when there is
no authority.
Individual differences
Locus of control (LOC) refers to the sense of control one feels
over their life. If they have an internal (LOC) they feel as if they
control their life, where as external (LOC) they feel it's
influenced by other factors such as luck and fate
Study depends on question
Conformity: Avtgis meta analysis on studies which
looked at locus of control and conformity. higher
external LOC were more likely to conform.
Obedience: Oliner tested non Jewish people from nazi germany, able to
compare 406 people who had protected and rescued Jewish people from
the Nazis with 126 who did not. Rescuers had a higher internal LOC.
Dispositional factors can affect ates of
independent behaviour. People with an
internal LOC will show increased levels of
independent behaviour