Abstract
We investigated the conformity of Japanese female students with varying self-esteem levels in a co-witness memory experimental paradigm. We had 24 Japanese female student pairs (18 - 26 years old) watch a video clip of a simulated criminal event together. Utilizing a presentation trick, we presented two different versions of the video clip simultaneously on the screen but allowed the viewers to observe only one without their being aware of the duality. Conformity responses were detected through analysis of the answer patterns showing change from their own to their partner’s in pre- and post-memory tests. We also assessed self-esteem and divided the participants into three groups according to their levels. The results showed that participants with low levels of self-esteem tended to conform to their co-witness more often than those with high self-esteem scores. We found that personality traits would be crucial factors in conformity through the present study.
Highlights
When faced with different opinions presented to them directly by friends, partners, or others through any number of means such as mass media, the Internet or social networks, people may adopt the new ones as their own or keep their original ones
The present study aimed to investigate the effects of personality traits of witnesses on conformity in co-witness memory experimental paradigms
Through further analyses using sub-scales of self-esteem, we found that High Self-Acceptance participants tended to maintain their answers even when they had made blank answers
Summary
When faced with different opinions presented to them directly by friends, partners, or others through any number of means such as mass media, the Internet or social networks, people may adopt the new ones as their own (conformity) or keep their original ones.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call