Asch's Conformity Experiment

[Andrew Green]

Interesting little experiment on social influences on peoples perceptions.

http://www.overcomingbias.com/2007/12/aschs-conformit.html?

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[Kacey]

This experiment was discussed in detail when I was getting my MA in School Guidance Counseling - the effects are even stronger in middle and high school where conformity is at such a premium.

 

[thardey]

The "unanimity" bit was interesting, but not really a surprise. It just goes to show that if you are willing to stand against the collective group, you can remove a lot of its power. You may be the one to poke the hole in the madness.

 

[Cruentus]

Yup. Very familiar with that experiment; great clip though!

 

[Empty Hands]

This, the Stanford Prison Experiment, and the Milgram experiments, should be required knowledge for everyone. They speak to how easily humans in general can be lead to bad ends. Maybe if everyone was educated on these weak aspects of human nature we all might be a little less susceptible the next time a charismatic dictator comes along.