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Asch’s experiments

Solomon Asch’s experiments of the 1950s aimed at social conformity refer to a series of psychological studies aimed at understanding the extent to which people are willing to change their opinions or personal judgments under group pressure, even if those opinions are clearly wrong. These experiments provide a classic model for studying conformity to social norms and the influence of the majority on individual behavior, demonstrating how an individual’s desire to fit in with a group can outweigh their immediate logical or visual judgments. From a psychological point of view, experiments have shown that people often tend to conform to the majority due to fear of social rejection, a desire to be accepted, or a lack of confidence in their own judgment. Even when the correct answer is obvious, group pressure can push a person to accept the opinion of the majority in order to avoid feelings of isolation or criticism. These results reflect the strong influence of social norms on individual behavior and the extent to which a person’s decisions depend on direct social interaction. From a sociological point of view, Ashe’s experiments demonstrate that conformity is not only a personal problem, but also a social phenomenon that affects group dynamics and the behavior of people in it. It also focuses on the role of the majority in shaping social norms, establishing common positions, and reducing group conflict through apparent harmony, even if it sometimes leads to the adoption of incorrect patterns of behavior or opinions.