Psychology Department: Conformity Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What phenomenon did Muzafer Sherif observe in his studies?

Autokinetic phenomenon (correct)

Cognitive dissonance

Bystander effect

Social facilitation

What percentage of participants conformed in Solomon Asch's line comparison study?

75 percent

55 percent

100 percent

37 percent (correct)

Which condition was NOT mentioned as part of Milgram's obedience studies?

A legitimate commander

A remote victim

An isolated environment

Presence of peers (correct)

What is one potential outcome of a small act of evil, according to the classic studies?

It fosters an attitude that can lead to larger evil acts. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor did Milgram identify as influential for obedience in his studies?

Distance from the victim Signup and view all the answers

What psychological phenomenon does the phrase 'power of the situation' refer to in the studies discussed?

The influence of external circumstances on behavior Signup and view all the answers

How did the participants in Milgram's experiments respond when instructed to administer electric shocks?

65 percent obeyed completely. Signup and view all the answers

What does mass hysteria pertain to in the context of social psychology studies?

A collective panic response to a threat. Signup and view all the answers

What is conformity?

A change in behavior or belief due to group pressure. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor increases the likelihood of conformity according to the provided content?

Number of people in a group up to a certain point. Signup and view all the answers

How does group cohesion affect conformity?

It increases the power of the group over its members. Signup and view all the answers

What was a conclusion drawn from Milgram's sidewalk experiment?

People are more likely to conform when at least three people are involved. Signup and view all the answers

How does the status of individuals in a group influence conformity?

Higher-status individuals tend to have more impact and influence. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to individuals once they make a prior commitment related to conformity?

They often adhere to their commitment despite social pressure. Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario is conformity likely to be strongest?

When individuals are responding in front of others. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the diminishing returns of conformity when increasing group size?

Conformity grows rapidly with group size up to five and then levels off. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mental Exercises and Conformity

Difference in motivations for buying a milktea: desire versus peer influence.
Conformity defined as behavior or belief change due to actual or perceived group pressure.
Conformity can lead to positive, negative, or neutral outcomes, affecting behaviors like drunk driving or line etiquette.

Group Size and Conformity

Research shows a small group (3-5 people) significantly influences conformity more than 1-2 individuals.
After 5, additional members have less impact (diminishing returns).
Milgram's street experiment demonstrated increased bystander conforming behavior with a rising number of people looking up.

Unanimity and Cohesion

Conformity is easier when support is found; unified groups exert more influence.
Cohesive groups foster greater compliance among members.

Status and Public Response

Higher status individuals tend to wield more influence in conforming behaviors.
People are more likely to conform in public responses rather than in private settings.

Prior Commitment

Once individuals make a commitment, they are less likely to succumb to social pressure.

Classic Studies on Conformity and Obedience

Muzafer Sherif's autokinetic phenomenon study showed how group judgments formed societal norms over time.
Solomon Asch's line comparison experiment revealed that participants conformed 37% of the time when faced with unanimous wrong answers.
Stanley Milgram's obedience study exhibited that 65% of adult males fully obeyed orders to deliver traumatic shocks under certain conditions.

Psychological Insights from Classic Studies

Behavior and attitudes are interconnected; minor unethical acts can promote acceptance of larger transgressions.
Situational factors may compel individuals to commit harmful actions, while others may exhibit heroism in the same circumstances.

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Description

This quiz explores the concept of conformity in psychology, highlighting the differences in motivations behind behaviors, such as purchasing decisions influenced by peer pressure. It dives into both the positive and negative aspects of conformity and its effects on individual behavior.