Final answer:
Conformity in the Asch experiments decreased when there was an ally present who also provided a dissenting opinion, thereby giving the test subject the confidence to give correct answers and resist group pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the Asch conformity experiments, Solomon Asch found that certain factors influenced an individual's likelihood to resist conformity. One of the main factors that decreased conformity was the presence of an ally, meaning that when one of the confederates gave an answer different from the group, the true participant was more likely to also give a correct answer, thereby reducing the pressure to conform. Other factors that led to decreased conformity included giving answers privately and a smaller group size, as these conditions made individuals feel less pressure from the group.
Asch concluded that conformity happens primarily because individuals either want to fit in with the group or believe the group to be more knowledgeable. However, results showed that when a subject had at least one ally who also dissented from the group, they were only one-fourth as likely to conform. Hence, the presence of another dissenter played a significant role in reducing conformity, making it easier for individuals to maintain their own judgments against a majority.