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The Power of Conformity

The Power of Conformity. By Jocelyn Lee. Background. Conformity – individual behavior following behavior patterns of a particular group Solomon Asch (1950s) – 1 st systematic study of conforming behavior How powerful is the need to conform in influencing our behavior?. Method.

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The Power of Conformity

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  1. The Power of Conformity By Jocelyn Lee

  2. Background • Conformity – individual behavior following behavior patterns of a particular group • Solomon Asch (1950s) – 1st systematic study of conforming behavior • How powerful is the need to conform in influencing our behavior?

  3. Method • Simple visual comparison task in a group setting

  4. Method • 1st trial: everyone (confederates of the experimenter) answers the correct response • 2nd trial: all other “participants” answer with the same incorrect response – what does the subject do?

  5. Results • Approx. 75% of subjects went along with the group’s consensus at least once (each subject participated in the situation several times) • Agreed with the group’s incorrect response 1/3 of the time • Control group (individually wrote down answers): correct 98% of the time

  6. Significance • Scientifically demonstrated the power of social pressure to conform • Sparked a wave of many more studies on conformity

  7. Related Research/Criticism • Factors that influence conforming behavior: social support; attraction and commitment to the group; size of the group; sex ---- • Widespread support • But… Can Asch’s findings extend outside the laboratory to real-world situations (more important matters)?

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