In Solomon Asch's line-judgment experiments, what behavior was observed among participants when confederates provided incorrect answers?

• A. They consistently refused to conform.
• B. They tended to conform to the incorrect responses.
• C. They became more accurate in their judgments when others disagreed.
• D. They demonstrated independent judgment regardless of group pressure.

Answer: (B)

Conformity under social pressure is being tested. In Asch’s line-judgment studies, when confederates stated incorrect answers, real participants often went along with the group and chose the same wrong lines. This shows normative social influence: people want to fit in and avoid standing out, so they align their judgments with the majority even when they know the correct answer. The behavior observed was that participants tended to conform to the incorrect responses. This pattern was strong and common, with a substantial portion of trials showing conformity and many participants yielding to the group at least once. It isn’t about becoming more accurate under pressure; it’s about the pressure leading people to adopt the majority view despite knowing the right answer.