PSY-1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 26: Solomon Asch, Robert Cialdini, Psych
Document Summary
Researchers conducting classic social psychology studies were often shocked by the power of social influence. Conformity matching one"s overt actions to fit perceived social norms. The task was simple state out loud which of three options matched the length of a target line. After the first few trials, the confederates consistently began to name a clearly incorrect line. The real participants, while showing confusion and distress, often conformed. In about a third of trials participants conformed, and 75% of participants conformed at least once during the session. Only two or three confederates were needed to produce this effect. Modern studies have found modest decreases in conformity, but still strong effects. Compliance is agreeing to a request from a person who is not perceived as an authority. Researchers believe that compliance reflects a general desire to cooperate with others, and to support relationship partners.
