MODIFICATION OF CHILDREN'S JUDGMENTS BY A SIMULATED GROUP TECHNIQUE: A NORMATIVE DEVELOPMENTAL STUDY1,2

Abstract

The classic experiments of Sherif (11) and Asch (i) demonstrating the induction of conformity behavior by group pressure have been followed by many studies investigating the effect of additional variables on conformity. A proportionally small number of studies have employed children as Ss. Coffin (4), in a review of the literature on suggestibility in children, concluded that sex differences in suggestibility vary with the situation, and there is little relation between suggestibility and intelligence. Duncker (6), studying expressed food preferences, found that the presence of an informed S did indeed produce following behavior and this was more pronounced when the child was dominant. Berenda (2), in some of the most extensive work done with children, employing the Asch type problem, found that frequency of yielding to conformity pressure increased as the task increased in difficulty. Luchins (io), Kelley and Volkart (9), and Grosser, Polansky, and Lippitt (7) have also contributed significant and representative research in the area. In most of the studies the induction of conformity pressures was by means of face-to-face groups. The setting up of such an experimental situation is difficult and is frequently dependent upon the skill of the confederates. The demonstration of Blake and Brehm (3) and Crutchfield (5) of the feasibility of employing a simulated group technique to induce con-