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Asch Conformity
The Crowd
A simple eye test: which line — A, B, or C — is exactly as long as the reference line?
1Four other players answer out loud before you, and they all agree.
2Then you pick. Trust your own eyes.
3After seven rounds, see how often the crowd bent your answer.
The concept· Solomon Asch, 1951
Asch Conformity
Conformity is the pull to match your judgements or behaviour to a group, even when the group is clearly mistaken and the right answer is obvious.
Group pressure can override direct evidence from your own senses. Most people will deny what they see at least once rather than stand alone against a unanimous crowd.