Outline and evaluate research into conformity. (Total 16 marks)

Model Answer:

Research into conformity includes Asch’s line judgment study, which investigated the influence of group pressure on individual decisions. In the study, participants were asked to match line lengths in the presence of confederates who deliberately gave incorrect answers on 12 out of 18 critical trials. Asch found that 36.8% of participants conformed to the incorrect majority on at least one trial, demonstrating the power of group influence. Variations of the study revealed that factors such as group size, unanimity, and task difficulty significantly affected conformity rates. For instance, the presence of a dissenting confederate reduced conformity to 5.5%, while increasing task difficulty led to higher conformity rates due to informational social influence.

One strength of Asch’s research is its high level of control over extraneous variables. (Point) The use of standardised procedures, such as ensuring all participants experienced the same line judgment task and confederates followed a consistent script, increases the reliability of the findings. (Because) This is beneficial because it allows the study to be replicated, ensuring the consistency of results, which is essential for establishing reliable conclusions about conformity. (Why) However, this level of control reduces the ecological validity of the research. (Counterargument) The artificial nature of the line judgment task does not reflect the complexities of real-world social interactions, limiting the generalisability of the findings to everyday conformity.

A limitation of Asch’s study is its cultural and temporal bias. (Point) The research was conducted in 1950s America, a time and culture where conformity was highly valued due to political and social pressures. (Because) This is problematic because the findings may not apply to other cultures or modern societies that emphasise individuality over group conformity. (Why) However, subsequent studies, such as those conducted by Perrin and Spencer in the UK, found lower conformity rates, which suggests cultural and temporal factors do influence conformity. (Counterargument) This indicates that while Asch’s findings may not be universally applicable, they remain valuable when interpreted within specific cultural and historical contexts.

Another strength of the research is its contribution to understanding social behaviours and group dynamics. (Point) Asch’s findings have been applied to real-world contexts, such as understanding peer pressure in schools or workplaces, which can help in designing interventions to reduce the negative effects of conformity. (Because) This is beneficial because it demonstrates the practical value of conformity research in addressing societal issues. (Why) However, the findings from Asch’s research are based on artificial laboratory conditions. (Counterargument) This means that while the results have theoretical significance, their applicability to naturalistic settings may be limited, reducing their external validity.

A further limitation of Asch’s study is its ethical concerns. (Point) Participants were deceived about the true purpose of the study and subjected to social pressure, which may have caused distress. (Because) This is problematic as it breaches ethical guidelines, raising concerns about the treatment of participants in psychological research. (Why) However, Zimbardo argued that the findings gained from such research justify the ethical concerns, as they provide crucial insights into social influence and human behaviour. (Counterargument) While this perspective has merit, it underscores the importance of balancing ethical considerations with the need for valuable research outcomes.