Conformity: Videos & Practice Problems

The Solomon Asch line study illustrates the concept of conformity, defined as changing behaviors or beliefs to align with a group. In this experiment, participants matched line lengths while surrounded by Confederates who occasionally provided incorrect answers. About 37% of participants conformed to these wrong answers, highlighting the influence of group dynamics. Factors affecting conformity include group size, the presence of dissenters, and the public nature of responses. Normative social influence drives conformity for acceptance, while informational social influence occurs when individuals assume groups possess accurate information, especially in uncertain situations.

The Solomon Asch Line Study

The Solomon Asch line study is a landmark experiment in psychology that illustrates the concept of conformity, defined as the alteration of one's behaviors, attitudes, or beliefs to align with those of a group. This phenomenon often occurs when individuals desire acceptance within a group, leading them to modify their responses to fit in.

In the original study conducted by Solomon Asch during the 1950s and 1960s, participants were placed in a room with seven Confederates—trained actors who were presented as fellow participants. The group was tasked with a simple exercise: identifying which of three lines (labeled A, B, and C) matched a target line in length. Initially, the Confederates provided the correct answers, allowing participants to do the same. However, on certain trials, all Confederates would deliberately give the same incorrect answer, such as claiming that line A matched the target line when it did not.

The results revealed a significant tendency for participants to conform to the incorrect responses of the Confederates. Specifically, about 37% of the time, participants agreed with the wrong answer during these trials. Notably, 75% of participants gave an incorrect answer at least once throughout the experiment. When tested alone, participants demonstrated a remarkable accuracy rate of 99%, confirming that their conformity was not due to confusion but rather a willingness to align with the group.

This study underscores the powerful influence of social pressure, even from strangers, on individual decision-making. The implications of these findings extend to understanding how conformity operates in various social contexts, particularly when individuals are motivated to gain acceptance from groups they value. The Asch study serves as a foundational example of the dynamics of conformity and sets the stage for further exploration into the factors that influence this behavior.

Example 1

The ASH line study demonstrated that individuals often conform to group pressure, even when they know the correct answer.

Asch's study looked at how __________ influenced behavior.

• A. Punishment.
• B. The need to be correct.
• C. Moral obligation
• D. Conformity.

Answer: (D)

Factors that Affect Conformity

Conformity is a social phenomenon where individuals align their behaviors, beliefs, or attitudes with those of a group. Several factors influence the degree of conformity, many of which were explored through modifications of Asch's original line study. One key factor is the size of the majority; generally, as the number of people in the majority increases, so does the likelihood of conformity. This is intuitive, as it seems improbable that a large group would all be incorrect on a straightforward task.

Another significant factor is the presence of dissenters. When at least one other person in the group expresses a differing opinion, it can empower individuals to trust their own judgments and resist conforming. For instance, if everyone in a group insists on a particular answer, but one person agrees with your contrary view, you may feel more confident in your choice.

The context of the behavior also plays a role; public behaviors tend to elicit higher levels of conformity due to the fear of social judgment, while private behaviors often see less conformity as individuals feel freer to express their true opinions without external pressure.

Understanding why people conform can be framed through two primary concepts: normative social influence and informational social influence. Normative social influence refers to the desire to fit in and be accepted by a group. This is particularly relevant in cultures that emphasize individualism, where conformity may be viewed negatively. However, it is essential to recognize that conformity is a neutral and common behavior necessary for social cohesion.

On the other hand, informational social influence occurs when individuals look to a group for guidance, especially in unfamiliar or uncertain situations. People often assume that the group possesses more accurate information, leading them to conform to the group's behavior. For example, when encountering a new self-checkout machine at a grocery store, one might observe others to learn how to use it correctly. Similarly, in a new dining environment, individuals may mimic the actions of those around them to navigate the unfamiliar setting.

In summary, conformity is influenced by group size, the presence of dissenters, and the nature of the behavior, while the motivations for conforming can be understood through the lenses of normative and informational social influences. Recognizing these dynamics can enhance our understanding of social interactions and group behavior.

Example 2

Conformity refers to the tendency of individuals to align their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors with those of a group. Various factors influence the level of conformity, including the size of the group, the setting (public vs. private), and the presence of dissenters. Understanding these dynamics can help predict how likely someone is to conform in different situations.

In a public setting, such as when a person is asked about their voting choice surrounded by opinionated friends, we can expect high conformity. This is because social pressure often increases in public scenarios, leading individuals to align their responses with the group. Conversely, when someone is asked the same question in a private setting, like at home with just their spouse, the expectation shifts to low conformity. The absence of social pressure allows for more personal expression.

Considering social interactions, when Ava and her best friend are choosing a movie, the situation likely involves low conformity due to the lack of significant social pressure. However, if Ava is in a larger group, such as her entire class making the same decision, the likelihood of high conformity increases. The majority opinion in a larger group can strongly influence individual choices.

In another example, if Devon is with six friends who all prefer Thai food, despite his dislike for it, he may conform to the group's preference, indicating a high conformity situation. However, if one friend expresses a preference for Italian food, the presence of this dissenting opinion can reduce the pressure to conform, resulting in a low conformity scenario.

Overall, the context of the situation—whether it is public or private, the size of the group, and the presence of dissenters—plays a crucial role in determining the level of conformity expected in social interactions.

Which of the following shows informational social influence?

• A. Masha joins a new dance studio and starts styling her hair differently to match the other dancers.
• B. Brendan is shopping online. He finds a pair of pants that have a 4.9 review, from over 2,000 votes, along withnumerous comments about the quality of the pants. He decides to buy the pants.
• C. Otis hates oysters, but he pretends to enjoy them while out with a group of work colleagues.
• D. Nicola finds it easier to stand up for herself in a smaller group of peers than in a large group.

Answer: (B)

Here’s what students ask on this topic:

What is the Solomon Asch line study and how does it demonstrate conformity?

The Solomon Asch line study is a classic psychological experiment that illustrates the concept of conformity. In this study, participants were asked to match the length of a target line to one of three comparison lines. They were seated with Confederates (actors) who intentionally gave incorrect answers during certain trials. Despite the simplicity of the task, about 37% of participants conformed to the incorrect group response, and 75% conformed at least once. This demonstrates the power of conformity, as individuals were willing to provide wrong answers publicly to align with the group. The study highlights how social pressure can influence behavior, even when the correct answer is obvious.

What factors influence conformity according to psychological research?

Several factors influence conformity, as demonstrated by modifications to Asch's line study. First, group size matters; larger majorities tend to increase conformity, as individuals perceive lower odds of the group being wrong. Second, the presence of a dissenter reduces conformity, as it provides social support for non-conforming behavior. Third, the public nature of the behavior affects conformity; people are more likely to conform in public settings due to fear of social judgment. Additionally, normative social influence drives conformity for acceptance within a group, while informational social influence occurs when individuals assume the group has accurate information, especially in uncertain situations.

What is the difference between normative and informational social influence?

Normative social influence occurs when individuals conform to fit in and be accepted by a group. It is driven by the desire for social approval and avoiding rejection. For example, someone might agree with a group’s opinion to avoid standing out. Informational social influence, on the other hand, happens when individuals conform because they believe the group has accurate information. This is common in uncertain or novel situations, where people assume the group knows better. For instance, observing others at a fancy restaurant to understand proper etiquette is an example of informational social influence.

How does the presence of a dissenter affect conformity?

The presence of a dissenter significantly reduces conformity. In Asch's line study, when one person in the group gave the correct answer, participants were more likely to follow their own judgment rather than conform to the majority's incorrect response. This occurs because the dissenter provides social support, making individuals feel less isolated in their decision. The dissenter’s behavior challenges the group consensus, reducing the pressure to conform and encouraging independent thinking.

Why do people conform in uncertain situations?

People conform in uncertain situations due to informational social influence. This occurs when individuals assume that the group possesses accurate information or knows the correct behavior. In unfamiliar or novel contexts, people look to others for guidance, believing the group is more knowledgeable. For example, in a new environment like using an unfamiliar self-checkout machine, individuals may observe and mimic others’ actions to ensure they are behaving correctly. This reliance on group behavior helps reduce uncertainty and navigate the situation effectively.