Evaluating Research into Conformity

CRITICISMS OF ASCH'S RESEARCH

-Is it possible that the findings are unique to oe culture? All men and american? Research was conducted in 1950s when McCarthyism happened. 

-Study tried to get repeated in the late 1970s in England using science and engineering students. Youths were used on probation as participants, and probation officers as the confederates... similar levels of conformity found. Conformity is more likely when perceived costs of nonconformity are high.

-Would have been difficult for confederates to act convincingly when giving the wrong anser... overcame by participants wearing polarising filter. Three participants in each group wore an identical set and fourth wore a different set. This meant each particpant viewed the same stimuli but one saw them differently... this had the effect of causing them to see that…