Final answer:
Asch's experiment on conformity found that pressure on a subject arises when their own senses conflict with the majority's opinions. Subjects resisted conforming when they had an ally, could keep their response private, or were part of a smaller group. These factors influenced whether participants gave correct answers or succumbed to group pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Asch's paradigm for testing conformity, pressure on the subject arises because c. information from the participant's senses is in conflict with information provided by the majority. This finding illustrates the Asch effect, which demonstrates the influence of the group majority on an individual's judgment. So, in Asch's study on conformity, what contributed to the ability of subjects to resist conforming? The correct answer is d. All of the above, as Asch found that a smaller group, the presence of an ally, and the ability to keep one's answer private each contributed to subjects' ability to resist the pressure to conform.
How often do you think the true participant aligned with the confederates' response? Asch's research showed that 76% of participants conformed at least once by indicating the incorrect line. The group influenced the participant significantly, making them give the wrong answer frequently. Factors such as the presence of another dissenter and whether the response was public or private greatly impacted the likelihood of someone to conform or resist group pressure.
Asch concluded that people conform for two main reasons: desire to be liked by the group or the belief that the group is better informed. His studies suggested that even intelligent, well-educated individuals could be easily swayed to agree with untruths, posing a concern for societal values and the education system.