In Asch's experiments, which factor reduces conformity?

In Asch's experiments, which factor reduces conformity?

• A. Increasing group size
• B. Unanimity (presence of a dissenter)
• C. Task difficulty
• D. Anonymity

Answer: (B)

The factor being tested is how breaking group unanimity reduces the pressure to conform. In Asch’s line-judgment studies, people tended to go along with the majority because of normative social influence—wanting to fit in with the group. When a dissenter is present, that unanimity is broken, and individuals feel less compelled to align with the group. Even one ally who gives a different answer provides social support for dissent and makes it easier for others to rely on their own judgment, dramatically lowering the likelihood of conforming to the incorrect majority. The other options don’t produce the same effect in the original setup: increasing group size generally increases conformity up to a point, making the situation harder to resist; making the task harder tends to increase conformity as people doubt their own judgments; anonymity can reduce conformity in some variations by hiding responses, but it was not the factor demonstrated in the classic experiments as a means to reduce conformity.

The factor being tested is how breaking group unanimity reduces the pressure to conform. In Asch’s line-judgment studies, people tended to go along with the majority because of normative social influence—wanting to fit in with the group. When a dissenter is present, that unanimity is broken, and individuals feel less compelled to align with the group. Even one ally who gives a different answer provides social support for dissent and makes it easier for others to rely on their own judgment, dramatically lowering the likelihood of conforming to the incorrect majority.

The other options don’t produce the same effect in the original setup: increasing group size generally increases conformity up to a point, making the situation harder to resist; making the task harder tends to increase conformity as people doubt their own judgments; anonymity can reduce conformity in some variations by hiding responses, but it was not the factor demonstrated in the classic experiments as a means to reduce conformity.