Types of conformity
Name 3 types of conformity
Compliance, identification, internalisation
What task did participants perform in Asch’s study?
Line judgement task
Where did Zimbardo’s study take place?
Stanford University basement
What voltage did Milgram start at?
15 volts
What was one variable Milgram changed?
Uniform, proximity, or location
Define compliance.
Compliance = public agreement, private disagreement
What percentage conformed at least once?
75%
What was Zimbardo’s dual role?
Prison superintendent
What was the highest voltage
450V
How did proximity affect obedience?
The closer the authority figure was to the person the more likely they were to obey
What’s the key difference between identification and internalisation?
Identification = temporary, internalisation = long-lasting change
Name one factor that decreased conformity in Asch’s variations.
Presence of a dissenter
Why was the study stopped early?
Escalating harm/distress among participants
What % obeyed to the full 450V?
65%
How did uniform affect obedience?
Obedience increased with uniform (e.g., security guard)
Explain informational social influence and when it’s most likely to occur.
It’s the desire to be right—people conform when unsure what’s correct, especially in ambiguous or crisis situations.
Why did critics argue Asch’s findings lacked temporal validity?
The study was conducted in 1950s America, a highly conformist culture—results might differ today.
Identify and explain one major ethical concern in Zimbardo’s research
Lack of protection from harm—participants experienced psychological and emotional trauma.
What signs of distress did participants show during the study?
Sweating, trembling, stuttering, nervous laughter, and seizures.
How did location affect obedience in Milgram’s study?
Obedience dropped when the study moved from Yale to a less prestigious office building.
How does normative social influence explain why people conform even when they know something is wrong?
They conform to gain approval or avoid rejection, not because they believe the group is right.
How did group size influence levels of conformity in Asch’s variations?
Conformity increased with up to three confederates, then levelled off.
Evaluate the internal validity: were participants truly conforming or just acting?
Some argue demand characteristics led them to play roles; others believe behaviour was genuine, supported by emotional reactions.
How did Milgram defend the ethics of his research?
He argued participants were thoroughly debriefed and most said they were glad to have taken part.
Why do situational variables support a situational explanation of obedience?
They show that context—not personality—is key in influencing whether people obey orders.