Question

Directions: Complete the following worksheet addressing two seminal experiments in conformity by Muzafer Sherif (1936) Autokinetic Effect, and Solomon Asch (1951) Line Judgement Test. Be sure to define the terms in each column for each experimental task, in addition to justifying your responses.

Experimental Task	Primary Effect of Group	Depth of Conformity Produced
Sherif: Autokinetic Effect
Asch: Line Judgment Test

Answer 1

Sherif Autokinetic effect:

Primary effect on group:   When Sherif asked subjects if they were influenced by the judgments of other persons during the experiments, most of them denied it.

Depth of Conformity produced: When subjects were tested one at a time, later, most of them conformed to the group judgment they recently made. Experiment showed that group norms are established through interaction of individuals and the leveling-off of extreme opinions. The result is a consensus agreement even if it is wrong.

Asch Line Judgement Test

Primary effect on group: Over the 12 critical trials, about 75% of participants conformed at least once, and 25% of participant never conformed.

Depth of Conformity produced: In the control group, with no pressure to conform to confederates, less than 1% of participants gave the wrong answer. People conform for two main reasons: because they want to fit in with the group and because they believe the group is better informed than they are .