Which of the following best defines the Asch effect?
Responses
influence of one person on a large group
influence of one person on a large group
? influence of one person on the creation of a group goal
influence of one person on the creation of a group goal
following directions of an authority figure
following directions of an authority figure
influence of the group majority on an individual’s judgment
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is:
influence of the group majority on an individual’s judgment
Explanation:
The Asch effect refers to the phenomenon where an individual’s judgment or opinion is influenced by the majority opinion of a group, even when the group is clearly wrong. This concept is based on the classic conformity experiments conducted by psychologist Solomon Asch in the 1950s. These experiments demonstrated the powerful impact of social pressure on individual behavior.
The Asch Experiment:
In his experiments, Asch brought participants into a group setting with several confederates (actors who were in on the experiment). The group was shown a series of cards with lines of different lengths and asked to match the length of one line to a set of comparison lines. The task was straightforward, and the correct answer was obvious.
However, the confederates intentionally gave incorrect answers on some trials. The key finding was that a significant number of participants conformed to the incorrect majority opinion, even though they could clearly see it was wrong. This demonstrated the influence of group pressure on individual decision-making.
Why Does This Happen?
The Asch effect arises due to two main factors:
- Normative Influence: People conform to fit in with the group and avoid social rejection.
- Informational Influence: People may doubt their own judgment and assume the group is correct.
Broader Implications:
The Asch effect has profound implications for understanding human behavior in various contexts, such as workplace dynamics, education, and politics. It shows how individuals might prioritize group harmony or social acceptance over their own perceptions or logic.
Understanding the Asch effect highlights the importance of critical thinking and the need for environments that encourage independent thought, especially in situations where groupthink can lead to poor decision-making.