The Conformity Experiment

The Conformity Experiment, conducted by psychologist Solomon Asch, tested whether individuals would change their answers to match a group's consensus, even if it was clearly incorrect. Participants were asked to identify which of three lines matched a standard line. When confederates (actors in on the experiment) intentionally gave wrong answers, many real participants conformed and also chose the wrong line, seeking social approval or avoiding embarrassment. The experiment highlights how social pressure can influence individual judgment and behavior, even against one's own perception. It underscores the powerful effect of group influence on personal decisions.