Effects of prior agreement by others on task confidence and conformity.

Abstract

Abstract : An experiment was conducted to explore further the relationship between prior agreement from others and subsequent conformity to their erroneous judgments. 240 Ss were arrayed in a 2 x 6 x 2 factorial design with sex, levels of prior agreement, and two questionnaire conditions defining each of the factors respectively. Two related hypotheses were tested: (1) that task confidence is a direct function of the level of prior agreement experienced, and (2) that conformity is curvilinearly related to the level of task confidence and prior agreement. Task confidence was thus hypothesized to mediate the relationship between agreement and conformity. During phase one of the procedure, Ss responded in the first position of a modified Crutchfield apparatus, where they saw either 100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, or 0% of their peers agree with them on each of 20 judgments of an unambiguous stimulus. In a control condition, no feedback was provided. In phase two, Ss shifted to the usual last response position and their conformity was assessed. Results confirmed the hypotheses. In addition, sex differences in reaction to prior agreement were explored. (Author)