The Solomon Asch Experiment

by Yum Yum Mama Team

The Solomon Asch Experiment is one of the most famous studies on conformity in psychology. Conducted in the 1950s, Asch’s research explored how individuals conform to group pressure even when they know the group is wrong.

What Happens in the Asch Experiment?

Asch recruited participants for a line judgment task, where they had to compare line lengths. However, the experiment was designed so that participants were influenced by a majority group who deliberately gave incorrect answers.

What Did Asch’s Conformity Experiment Show?

Asch’s study demonstrated that people tend to conform to group pressure, even when the group is clearly incorrect. His findings highlight the power of normative social influence, where individuals conform to be accepted by others.

Solomon Asch Experiment Summary

  • Participants: 50 male college students.

  • Procedure: Each participant was placed in a group with confederates (actors) who deliberately gave incorrect answers about line lengths.

  • Findings: 75% of participants conformed at least once, and overall, there was a 32% conformity rate.

  • Conclusion: People conform to avoid social rejection or because they doubt their own judgment.

Asch Conformity Experiment Procedure

  1. One real participant and several confederates sat in a room.

  2. They were shown three comparison lines and asked to match them to a standard line.

  3. Confederates gave incorrect answers in some trials.

  4. The real participant had to decide whether to conform or give the correct answer.

Asch Conformity Experiment Results

  • Overall conformity rate: 32%

  • 75% of participants conformed at least once.

  • 25% never conformed.

  • With a single dissenting confederate, conformity dropped to 5%.

What Is the Main Point of Asch’s Theory of Conformity?

Asch’s research showed that people conform due to normative social influence (wanting to fit in) rather than informational social influence (believing others are right). His work helped explain group dynamics, peer pressure, and social influence.

Conformity Experiments Inspired by Asch

Other famous conformity studies include:

  • Sherif’s Autokinetic Effect Experiment – Demonstrating informational social influence.

  • Milgram’s Obedience Study – Exploring obedience to authority.

  • Zimbardo’s Stanford Prison Experiment – Investigating social roles and conformity.

Ethical Issues in the Asch Experiment

Although Asch’s study provided valuable insights, it faced some ethical concerns:

  • Deception: Participants were misled about the true nature of the experiment.

  • Psychological Stress: Some participants felt uncomfortable when disagreeing with the group.

  • Informed Consent: Participants were unaware of the full aim of the study.

Download the Asch Conformity Experiment PDF

For a detailed analysis of Asch’s experiment, including evaluation points and exam-style questions, download the Social Influence Digital Interactive Revision Workbook – Yum Yum Mama.

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