Final answer:
Conformity tends to decrease when the task becomes more difficult, as individuals feel their input is essential for the group's success. Studies by Solomon Asch also indicate that factors like group size and whether responses are public or private can influence levels of conformity.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the task at hand is made more challenging, there can be a shift in the dynamics of conformity. Research suggests that in a group setting, when individual performance is not singled out and the task is difficult, members are more likely to feel motivated and believe that their input is crucial for the group's success in tackling the complex issue. Notable experiments by psychologist Solomon Asch in the 1950s also suggest that conformity is influenced by various factors such as group size, the presence of a dissenter, and whether responses are given publicly or privately. For instance, Asch found that conformity rates drop when the individual is allowed to respond in a private manner, compared to giving a response in front of the group.
Asch's work highlighted significant concepts like the Asch effect, compliance, and the two main reasons for conformity, which are the desire to be liked and the belief that the group knows better. His experiments demonstrated that even against clear evidence, individuals might conform to group pressure. However, increased task difficulty can alter this tendency as individuals feel their contributions are vital for success, potentially reducing conformity under these circumstances.