Psy 362 TOPIC 4 DQ2:
How are both the power of the situation and the power of the person evident in the results of
Asch's conformity research? Explain.
I found Asch’s conformity research study very fascinating. It reminds me of the scenarios you
hear about with children forming a “pack” mentality while bullying or fighting.
The power from both the situation and the person which influence conformity is:
Conformity tends to increase with the more people present. The more difficult the situation is,
conformity will also increase. If the surrounding individuals are of a higher social statues,
conformity will again increase. However, if individuals are able to respond privately, or not
respond at all, the conformity will decrease.
Individuals will conform to either avoid ridicule or they are simply motivated to avoid conflict
with the group.
I am curious however, how conformity takes place in a jury duty status. I have heard of panels,
not reaching a conclusion for days. Towards the end, is it a result of the individual conforming?
If so, what was the motivating factor for their decision?
Interesting stuff!
Thank you,
References:
Myers, DG. Exploring Psychology. New York: Worth Publishers; 2009.
How are both the power of the situation and the power of the person evident in the results of
Asch's conformity research? Explain.
I found Asch’s conformity research study very fascinating. It reminds me of the scenarios you
hear about with children forming a “pack” mentality while bullying or fighting.
The power from both the situation and the person which influence conformity is:
Conformity tends to increase with the more people present. The more difficult the situation is,
conformity will also increase. If the surrounding individuals are of a higher social statues,
conformity will again increase. However, if individuals are able to respond privately, or not
respond at all, the conformity will decrease.
Individuals will conform to either avoid ridicule or they are simply motivated to avoid conflict
with the group.
I am curious however, how conformity takes place in a jury duty status. I have heard of panels,
not reaching a conclusion for days. Towards the end, is it a result of the individual conforming?
If so, what was the motivating factor for their decision?
Interesting stuff!
Thank you,
References:
Myers, DG. Exploring Psychology. New York: Worth Publishers; 2009.
