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

8576 Views

See similar Psychology GCSE tutors

Related Psychology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain the different types of conditioning.


What are the types of long-term memory devised by Tulving (1972)?


Read the item and then answer this: Outline what is meant by the term bystander behaviour. Referring to the conversation above, identify one factor that can influence bystander behaviour and suggest how it would have influenced bystander behaviour...


In a study, researchers had to use different participants in each condition and this could have affected the results. Outline one way in which the researchers could have addressed this issue. 4 marks.


We're here to help

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

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning