Conformity as a Function of Age Level

Abstract

An experiment was undertaken to test the hypothesis that conformity develops in 2 stages, increasing up to the adolescent period and decreasing thereafter. A 2x 4 factorial design was used involving sex and 4 age groups. 24 Ss (12 male and 12 female) were selected to compose 4 age groups. Subjects in each group were subjected to erroneous judgments in a simulated conformity situation. In agreement with the hypothesis, conformity increased to adolescence and decreased after adolescence.