Psychology Chapter on Conformity

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for individuals to conform according to normative social influence?

To avoid rejection and fit in with the group (correct)
To develop their own unique opinions
To gain accurate information from others
To seek out the truth in uncertain situations

In Sherif's autokinetic effect study, what phenomenon did participants experience?

An increase in individual confidence in their judgments
A physical movement of a light source
A decrease in group uniformity over time
Development of a common group norm based on visual illusion (correct)

What was a significant finding in Asch's conformity experiment?

Conformity rates increased when answers were provided anonymously
75% of participants never gave incorrect answers
Only 25% of participants conformed under pressure
Peer pressure influenced individuals to give at least one incorrect answer (correct)

How did Deutsch and Gerard's modified Asch experiment affect conformity rates?

<p>Decreased conformity when responses were made privately (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Hall’s removal from the modified Asch experiment demonstrate regarding conformity?

<p>Reducing uncertainty led to decreased conformity levels (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Informational Social Influence

Looking to others for guidance in uncertain situations, especially when unsure of the correct answer.

Normative Social Influence

The desire to fit in and avoid social rejection.

Sherif's Autokinetic Effect Study

A study by Sherif (1935) involving a visual illusion where a stationary light appeared to move. Participants tested alone developed individual estimations, but when placed in groups, they converged on a common 'group norm'.

Asch's Conformity Experiment

A study by Asch (1951) where participants were asked to match lines of equal length. Confederates consistently provided incorrect answers, leading to a high rate of conformity (75%) among participants.

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Modified Asch Experiments

Modified Asch experiments tested different conditions of social influence. The study found that conformity decreased when participants answered privately and in the absence of a group goal.

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Study Notes

Conformity

Informational social influence - reliance on others in situations
Sherif (1935) autokinetic effect study - had a visual illusion - stationary light appeared to move - had to estimate how much the light moved - tested alone + groups
When put in groups, they developed a common group norm - people look to others for guidance

Desire to fit in and avoid rejection
Asch (1951) conformity experiment - match single line to a line of the same length - Confederates provided incorrect answers - peer pressure
75% gave at least one incorrect answer

Modified Asch

Deutsch + Gerard (1955)
Face-to-face - 3 Confederates made incorrect judgments
Face-to-face - gap goal - provided explicit group goal as accurate as possible
Private & anonymous - in cubicle - answered privately
Displayed answers & Confederates - half responded when stimuli present
Removing removal = decreasing uncertainty + group pressure - reduced conformity 23% still conformed

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Description

Explore the concepts of conformity through key studies such as Sherif's autokinetic effect and Asch's line matching experiment. Learn about informational and normative social influence, and how group dynamics affect individual decisions. This quiz will test your understanding of social psychology and the significance of group pressure.