Final answer:
The Asch study investigates the effect of normative social influence on conformity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Asch study is a social psychology experiment conducted by Solomon Asch to understand the influence of group pressure on individuals' conformity. In the experiment, participants were shown a series of lines and asked to identify the line that matched a target line in length. However, the catch was that a majority of the participants were confederates who purposely chose the wrong answer. The study revealed that many participants conformed to the incorrect answers provided by the group, demonstrating normative social influence. This type of influence occurs when individuals conform to group norms to be accepted and fit in rather than relying on their own judgment or knowledge. The desire to avoid ridicule and maintain social harmony motivated participants to conform in Asch's study.