Jenness' Conformity Study
Psychology: AQA A Level, topic 1.1.2
Jenness’ Conformity Study (1932)
Jenness (1932) found that people change their opinions after group discussion in uncertain situations, showing informational social influence and conforming because they believe others are right.
Background and aim
- Jenness (1932) carried out one of the first studies on conformity.
- Jenness's aim was to understand how group discussion affects personal judgment.
- The study tested informational social influence (wanting to be right).
- Jenness used an ambiguous task where there was no obvious correct answer.
- The aim was to find out if people look to others for guidance when uncertain.
Method
- Jenness used a glass bottle filled with 811 white beans.
- 101 psychology students took part in the study.
- Each student first estimated individually how many beans were in the jar.
- The students were then placed into groups of three to discuss and agree on a group estimate.
- Afterwards, each participant gave a second individual estimate privately. -Jenness compared the first and second answers to measure conformity.
Findings
- Nearly all participants changed their estimates after group discussion.
- On average, men changed by 256 beans and women by 382 beans.
- The second estimates moved closer to the group average.
- This showed strong informational social influence as people trusted the group’s judgement.
- Participants believed the group was more likely to be correct than themselves.
Conclusion
- People conform when they face uncertainty or lack confidence.
- Jenness concluded that conformity occurs even in private beliefs, not just public behaviour.
- The study was the first clear evidence of informational social influence.
- The study influenced later research, including Asch’s (1951) studies on conformity.
Evaluation
- Strengths of the study:
- Controlled study.
- First to show informational conformity clearly.
- Weaknesses of the study:
- Artificial task (estimating beans) lacks ecological validity.
- Low emotional or social pressure, so doesn’t reflect real-life conformity.
Test yourself on Jenness' Conformity Study
What was the aim of Jenness’ study?
How many participants took part in the study?