Discuss at least two factors that have been shown to affect conformity. Refer to evidence in your answer. (Total 16 marks)

Model Answer:

One factor that affects conformity is group size. Research by Asch showed that conformity rates increased with group size, but only up to a certain point. When the group consisted of three confederates, conformity rates rose to 30%, but adding more members did not significantly increase conformity.

Another factor is unanimity. Asch found that when a dissenting confederate was introduced, conformity rates significantly decreased. For example, when one confederate gave a different answer, conformity dropped to 5.5% if their answer was correct and 9% if their answer was incorrect. This suggests that unanimity is a key factor in maintaining high levels of conformity.

One strength of research into group size is its empirical support from Asch’s variation studies. (Point) By systematically manipulating the number of confederates, Asch demonstrated that conformity increased with group size up to a majority of three but levelled off beyond this. (Because) This is beneficial because it provides a clear understanding of how majority influence operates, offering practical insights into social group dynamics. (Why) However, the artificial nature of the line judgment task means the findings lack ecological validity. (Counterargument) In real-life situations, group influence often involves more complex social and emotional factors, making it harder to generalise these results to natural settings.

A weakness of research into unanimity is that it may oversimplify social behaviour. (Point) Asch’s studies showed that the presence of a dissenting confederate reduced conformity, but this effect might not account for the motivations behind dissent. (Because) This is problematic because dissent could arise for reasons unrelated to reducing group pressure, such as personal biases or individual goals, limiting the explanatory power of the findings. (Why) However, the research remains valuable in demonstrating the importance of social support in reducing conformity pressures. (Counterargument)

Another strength of research into unanimity is its real-world applications. (Point) Understanding how social support reduces conformity has been used to encourage independent decision-making in settings like workplaces and schools. (Because) This is beneficial because it shows how dissenting opinions can empower individuals to challenge group norms and make informed choices. (Why) However, the findings may not generalise across cultures. (Counterargument) For instance, in collectivist cultures that prioritise group harmony, conformity may remain high even in the presence of dissent, highlighting the role of cultural differences.

A weakness of research into group size is its limited generalisability. (Point) Asch’s sample consisted of American male undergraduates, which may not represent other groups or cultural contexts. (Because) This is problematic because conformity rates can vary significantly across genders and cultures, reducing the universality of the findings. (Why) However, this limitation does not negate the importance of group size as a factor in conformity but suggests it should be studied more comprehensively across diverse populations. (Counterargument)