Age, Intelligence, and Sex as Variables in the Conformity Behavior of Negro and White Children1,2,3

Abstract

Negro and White children at ages 7, 9, 12, and 15 years were subjected to simulated group pressures. Two criteria of conformity were employed in a multiple regression technique. The main effect variables of sex, age, race, and IQ plus simple interactions accounted for 36 per cent of the variance on criterion 1 and 26 per cent on criterion 2. Age and race were significant main effect variables. Negro females conformed less than White females. IQ was not a significant variable. The two criteria correlated .76. The importance of criterion specificity was emphasized. Results were discussed in terms of differential cultural roles, and the regression analysis model was recommended for investigation of the relation between personality factors and conformity behavior.