Can You Think like a Psychologist (A03) : Types of Conformity: Internalisation & Compliance

Why/What (Level 3):
This supports the idea that compliance occurs when people conform to gain approval or avoid disapproval, rather than because they truly believe the group is correct. When answers were private, the pressure to conform was reduced, suggesting that participants were complying publicly, not privately accepting the group's view.

Counterargument (Level 4):
However, Asch’s research was conducted in 1950s America, a time known for strong social conformity due to McCarthyism and fear of standing out. This historical context may have inflated conformity rates, meaning the findings may not reflect how compliance operates in more individualistic or modern societies. Therefore, while the study supports the concept of compliance, its relevance to today’s social behaviour may be limited.