Social Psychology Conformity Conformity The tendency to adjust

Social Psychology Conformity

Conformity The tendency to adjust one’s behavior to actual or perceived social pressures.

Solomon Asch American Gestalt Psychologist Study independence not conformity “Stick to their guns” Asch effect: the influence of a group majority on the judgments of an individual. Famous experiment: physical reality vs. social reality.

Conformity: The Asch studies Which line matches the line on the left? A Standard line 1 2 3 Comparison lines Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Experiment 3 -5 confederates 1 subject The subject had to publicly announce their answer. A 1 2 3

Conformity: The Asch studies What would you say if you were in a room full of people who all picked line number three? A Standard line 1 2 3 Comparison lines Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Results 76% conformed with the majority. Study was done with over 100 subjects Only ¼ “stuck to their guns” A 1 2 3

Importance of Asch’s work Asch's work illustrated how peer pressure influences social behavior (usually in a negative way)

Why do some people conform more than others? People assume the majority must be correct Concerned with being accepted by the group (rather be in the “in-group” and not in the “out-group”) They feel it is easier to go along with the group than to disagree. Examples: group/working on a math

Certain groups that are more susceptible to pressure to conform Small margin- Women Collectivists cultures, i. e. , China People w/ low self-esteem, social shyness, and a strong desire to be liked by the group *Conformity tends to decline with age Why?

Conformity is influenced by situational factors. Disclose your responses publicly rather than privately Size of the group is four to five, beyond that, conformity begins to level off. Ambiguous stimuli, situation, or topic

Asch Effect is powerful, but it does not effect everyone “independents” stand their ground Individual heroic defiance= people who are able to resist situational forces that overwhelm their peers and remain true to their personal values. Resistances to conformity: partner

Groupthink How can smart people make dumb decisions?

Ask your self this: Have you ever kept silent when you felt you should speak up?

Groupthink Irving Janis The tendency for members of a group to become so concerned with reaching a consensus that they lose the ability to critically evaluate the problem before them.

Seven conditions that promote groupthink pg. 573 and additional info. According to Dr. Janis: Members are strongly attached to the group (social identity) When a external threat is present Strong-minded leader directing the group

Avoiding groupthink Consider all alternatives and carefully weigh the evidence Group leader avoid stating any preferences Outsiders should be called upon to offer their opinions Group members or outsiders: “devil’s advocate” Subdivided into smaller groups to independently review the issue Several group meetings should be held