Identify and explain two social factors that affect conformity to majority influence.

Asch's extensive studies found a number of factors affecting conformity rates. One was task difficulty. As the task gets more difficult, with the lines in Asch's study getting closer together in size, people grow less sure of if they are correct and look to others for guidance. Essentially, difficult tasks increase informational social influence. So the more difficult a task is, the more people will conform to the group.
Another factor is anonymity. When everyone gives answers anonymously it avoids social judgement, allowing more freedom to give answers that you truly believe in. In other words, it frees you from declarative social influence as there is no longer a need to fulfill the expectations of others. Therefore anonymity often greatly reduces conformity levels.

RB
Answered by Rose B. Psychology tutor

7530 Views

See similar Psychology GCSE tutors

Related Psychology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the Oedipus and Electra complex?


What are dependent, independent, and extraneous (confounding) variables?


Outline the behavioural explanation of phobias


What type of studies can be used to assess the extent to which genes can cause psychopathology?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences