Final answer:
A dyad describes a two-member group where the withdrawal of one member leads to the group's end, unlike in a triad where the group persists. Dyads are intimate social groups and the smallest unit of social relations. Having an ally in group settings can significantly influence conformity, as demonstrated in Asch's study.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term dyad refers to a two-member group, which is the smallest size of a social group. According to Georg Simmel's sociological analysis, a dyad is a highly intimate and dependent form of social relationship since if one person withdraws, the dyad ceases to exist. This contrasts with a triad, where if one person exits, the group still continues with the remaining two members.
In the context of a dyad, such as when two people have just had a baby, their relationship transforms from a dyad into a triad. The dynamics change significantly because in a triad, there is the potential for two-against-one situations and majority rule can develop.
Collective decision-making, conformity, and group dynamics are crucial in understanding the behavior and structure of different types of groups. For instance, Asch's study on conformity highlighted that having an ally in a group makes it easier for an individual to resist conforming to incorrect majority opinions.