Constanza Was Right - Conformity's An Obsession

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Julia Davis Costanza Was Right! Why Conformity’s An Obsession With Me Few of us admit to being conformists, particularly in a society that prides itself on rugged individualism. However, research suggests that people constantly tailor their behavior, perceptions, and opinions so as to be consistent with group norms. Sometimes conformity is born of a conscious desire not to stick out, and people make a thoughtful, deliberate decision to adopt (or reject) the position of a majority. In other instances, we conform so automatically and effortlessly that we do not realize we are adopting the behaviors of those around us. Humans are intrinsically motivated to belong to a group; no one likes to be the odd man out. When placed in a public situation wherein one’s opinions contradict a strong majority, people tend to analyze the situation and make deliberate, strategic decisions. Asch’s 1951 study indicated that people often go along with group members, despite knowing that they are wrong. In his line judgment task, the correct response was obvious; however, 75% of participants conformed at least once. Those who did not felt “conspicuous” and like “ misfits”, suggesting that they were conscious of the adverse social effects of dissent. They conformed to avoid social alienation. Barron’s 1996 study heightened the stakes, offering participants incentives for answering correctly. Compared with the no-incentive group, conformity plummeted in the incentive group when the task was easy (like Asch’s line test). This suggests that people are weighing different factors and making conscious, analytical decisions whether to conform. People tend to be more deliberate, thoughtful, and analytical when they are aware that the opinions of those around them contradict their own and know that their decision will have social consequences. In Asch’s and Barron’s studies,

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