Final answer:
Solomon Asch's experiments demonstrated that group pressure could lead individuals to conform and even agree with incorrect information publicly. The pressures to be liked or the assumption that the group is better informed were found to be primary reasons for conformity. Additionally, group size and the way in which answers are delivered can significantly affect the degree of conformity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Soloman Asch's experiment on group conformity demonstrated that because of group pressure, people are willing to say things they know are not true. This social psychology study involved participants being asked to select the line out of a group that matched the length of a reference line. However, planted respondents in the group would sometimes unanimously choose an incorrect line, placing pressure on the true participant to conform. Asch found that 76% of participants conformed to group pressure at least once by indicating the incorrect line. The Asch effect exemplifies the majority's influence on an individual's judgment.
Asch's conclusions were twofold: people either conform because they seek acceptance from the group (want to be liked), or they believe the group's decision is more informed than their own (group is better informed). His findings were concerning, as they indicated even well-educated individuals would conform to group pressure. Factors such as group size, presence of another dissenter, and whether responses were public or private significantly impacted the likelihood of conformity.
The group size was correlated with the pressure felt by participants to conform, and allowing participants to write down their answers rather than speaking them aloud dramatically reduced conformity. These outcomes provide insight into social behavior and the power of social influence, indicating the importance of individual critical thinking and resistance to undue social pressure.