Solomon Asch's Experiment on Conformity

Purpose of the Experiment

• The experiment is not a public opinion poll but examines behavior under social pressure.
• Focuses on how people perceive the lengths of lines when influenced by group opinions.

Experiment Setup

• Participants: A group consisting of one real subject and several confederates (pretenders).
• Task: Identify which of three lines matches the length of a given line.
• Procedure: Each person announces their answer sequentially.

Key Observations

• Initial Trials: Participants give correct answers harmoniously.
• Critical Trials: Confederates intentionally provide incorrect answers.
  • Real subject often conforms to the incorrect majority.

Findings

• Conformity Rate: Subjects conformed to the wrong group majority on 37% of critical trials.
• Reasons for Conformity:
  • Distortion of Judgment: "They must be right" - subjects believe the group is correct.
  • Avoidance of Discomfort: Subjects know they are right but conform to avoid conflict.

Variation with a Partner

• Introducing a partner who gives correct answers:
  • Effect: Conformity drops to 5%.
  • Insights: The presence of an ally reduces the group's influence.

Types of Conformity

• Informational Conformity: Conforming because the group seems correct.
• Normative Conformity: Conforming to avoid disapproval.

Private Response Variation

• Subjects write answers privately:
  • Conformity significantly reduces when the fear of criticism is removed.
  • Demonstrates the power of normative pressure.

Conclusion

• Asch’s experiment highlights how social pressure can lead to denial of obvious truths.
• Offers insights into conditions that foster or mitigate conformity.

Implications

• Understanding conformity helps in analyzing social behavior and group dynamics.
• Can be applied to various settings like workplaces, schools, and social gatherings.