The Ash conformity experiments

The Ash conformity experiments, conducted by psychologist Solomon Asch in the 1950s, investigated how individuals conform to group opinion. In these studies, participants were asked to match line lengths while being surrounded by confederates (actors) who intentionally gave wrong answers. Despite knowing the correct answer, many participants conformed to the group's incorrect choice, demonstrating the power of social influence. The results highlighted how people often prioritize group cohesion over their own judgment, revealing important insights into conformity and social behavior. These experiments remain foundational in understanding peer pressure and group dynamics.