Factors Influencing Conformity: Social Identity, Cultural Dimensions, and More

Discuss factors influencing conformity

Intro:

Conformity = change of behavior as a result of real or imagined group pressure or norms

• Social identity theory
• Cultural dimensions
• Self-esteem
• Unanimity
• Group size
• Private vs Public responses

Asch

• Aim: To test the extent of conformity in a non-ambiguous task

• Method:

  • 1 real subject among 7 confederates
  • They were asked which of the 3 lines on the right corresponded to the line presented on the left
  • Confederates of the study were told to give incorrect answers
  • Separate condition → participant was told to write down their answers individually
  • In another part of the experiment → subject was given a supporting confederate

• Results:

  • 32% conformity rate
  • 74% of subjects conformed at least once
  • Supporting confederate → conformity rate dropped to 5.5%
  • When participants were allowed to answer privately → conformity rate dropped again

• Conclusion:

  • People change their behaviour in accordance with others