Asch Study and Variations

Asch Study and Variations

1. Study (1951-1955)

   • Method
     • 3 Comparison lines and 1 standard line
     • 123 American Male Undergraduates
     • 6-8 Confederates per trial
     • Confederates were told to say the wrong answer
   • Findings
     • 36.8% of the time a wrong answer was given
     • 25% Participants didn't conform at all
     • 75% Participants conformed at least once
     • Participants said they felt self-conscious and conformed to prevent rejection (NSI)

2. Variations

   • Group Size
     • 3 Confederates- Confomity- 31.8%
     • 4 Confederates+ - Little Difference
     • Small majority is not sufficient for influence to be exeted
   • Unanimity
     • Dissenting Participant
     • Conformity fell by a 1/4
     • The participant behaved more independently
   • Task Difficulty
     • Asch made the comparison lines closer in length
     • Conformity Increased
     • ISI plays a role- we look to others for guidance and assume they are right