Psychologist Solomon Asch conducted a famous set of experiments involving a seemingly simple question asked to a group of participants. However, there was only a single actual test subject with the remainder of the group consisting of “confederates” who were instructed to give the wrong answer.
The group was arranged so that the subject gave their answer next-to-last so that they could hear the confederates’ incorrect answers first. The majority of subjects (37 out of 50) conformed to the incorrect majority at least once.
Asch later said this about the results:
“That we have found the tendency to conformity in our society so strong…is a matter of concern. It raises questions about…the values that guide our conduct.” (Asch 1955)
Asch is absolutly right, the bandwagon approach is dangerous and it seems that decision making is no longer up to the individual in society today- Do you agree? everyone else does.
2 comments:
I don't agree with that at all. I understand everything out there is heavily influencing us, with this experiment being an example. But i think People should really make a habit to question everything. maybe if people realized what can happen if they followed they would learn. I think its more lack of experience or education on different things.
I do agree with KJ that people should try to follow what they learn. but the reality of modern society is the other way
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