Final answer:
The correct answer is that in Asch's line judgment study, conformity increases with the number of group members until reaching a count of about 3 or 4, after which it levels out. This phenomenon is especially apparent when the group size reaches seven or more individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Asch's Line Judgment Study and Conformity
In Asch's line judgment study and other follow-up studies, the results indicate that conformity increases until around 3 or 4 others, then levels out. For instance, the Asch effect demonstrates that an individual's judgment can be significantly influenced by the majority of a group. The size of the majority matters, as the conformity rate grows with the number of individuals in the majority, but reaches a point where adding more members does not lead to increased conformity. This plateau typically occurs when the group size reaches seven. It's interesting to note that having at least one dissenter in the group can cause conformity rates to plummet to near zero, showing the power of an ally in the face of group pressure.
Group size plays a vital role in the amount of pressure an individual feels to conform. However, Asch's studies have shown that there is a threshold to this pressure. When only one person provides an erroneous answer, subjects are more likely to speak up than when the majority defends the incorrect position. Having even one ally in the group can make a remarkable difference, reducing conformity substantially. These findings shed light on social dynamics and how individuals navigate the balance between personal beliefs and the influence of the group.