Psychology Study on Group Conformity

Questions and Answers

What was the aim of the Solomon Asch study?

To see whether people would change their behavior to conform with others, even though they know they are right.

What was hypothesized regarding participant responses when a confederate answered incorrectly?

That the participant would say the same incorrect answer even though they knew the right one.

What was the selection criteria for participants in the study?

All male and were deceived about the experiment.

Describe the experimental conditions of the Solomon Asch study.

Participants were in a room with 6 male confederates and an experimenter, participating in a 'psychological experiment on visual judgment.' Signup and view all the answers

What were the main results obtained from the Solomon Asch conformity experiment?

About 75% of participants agreed to an incorrect answer at least once; roughly 33% conformed to half or more of the trials. Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion was drawn from the Solomon Asch study regarding conformity and group size?

Conformity increases with group size, up to a group of 4. Signup and view all the answers

What is a generalization made about the Solomon Asch experiment?

The experiment has validity among classrooms, friendship groups, and other social settings. Signup and view all the answers

What is a criticism of the Solomon Asch conformity experiment?

The study only included males. Signup and view all the answers

What ethical issue is associated with the Solomon Asch study?

Deception. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Aim of the Study

Examined if individuals would alter their behavior to conform with a group, despite knowing the correct answer.

Hypothesis

Proposed that individuals in a group of 5 would align their answers with a confederate providing incorrect responses, despite knowing the correct answer.

Participant Selection

Entirely male participants who were misled about the nature of the experiment, adding an element of deception.

Experimental Conditions and Variables

Conducted in a room with 6 male confederates alongside the experimenter, creating a controlled environment. Participants believed they were involved in a 'psychological experiment on visual judgement.'

Main Results Obtained

Approximately 75% of participants conformed at least once during trials.
About 33% conformed with half or more of the presented trials.
24% showed no conformity, indicating awareness of correct responses but avoidance of conflict with confederates.

Conclusion

Conformity tendencies are influenced by group size, peaking at a group of 4; larger sizes might lead participants to suspect imitation among peers.
Smaller groups foster the belief that responses are independent.

Generalisation

Findings are applicable to various social contexts, including classrooms and friend groups, illustrating broader social dynamics.

Criticisms

The study exclusively involved male participants, limiting the ability to generalize findings across genders.

Ethical Issues

The use of deception raised ethical concerns regarding informed consent and the participants' right to be fully aware of the study's aims.

Description

This quiz explores a psychological study focusing on how individuals alter their behavior to conform with group opinions, even when they know the correct answer. Participants in a controlled setting faced confederates providing incorrect responses, highlighting the influence of social pressure. Test your knowledge of the implications and results of this intriguing experiment.