Final answer:
The effect of group size on conformity is explained by social impact theory, and the Asch conformity studies showed that the reason for conformity was normative social influence, not because the group was believed to have correct information.
Step-by-step explanation:
The effect of group size on conformity has been explained by social impact theory, which suggests that as the size of a group increases, so does the pressure to conform. However, this effect tends to plateau after a certain point, as additional members contribute less to the overall social pressure. In the context of the Asch conformity studies, the participants conformed due to normative social influence. It was not a matter of cognitive dissonance, psychological reactance, or social norms that led to conformity, but rather the pressure to fit in and be accepted by the group.
Normative social influence is a key concept here, as it explains why individuals in the Asch experiment often conformed to the group's incorrect choice even when the correct answer was obvious. They were more concerned about being part of the group and avoiding ridicule than about being correct.
The dynamic of conformity and how it is influenced by group size and group dynamics is a fascinating aspect of social psychology, and it underlines the importance of understanding the factors that lead individuals to conform to group norms even when they might personally disagree or know better.