Normative vs. informational social influence
In Asch's line-judgment study, participants gave obviously wrong answers to match the group, even though they privately knew the correct answer. This reflects:
Answer D: explanation for every choice
A
Informational influence is conforming because others seem to know better, as in ambiguous situations. The correct answer here was obvious.
B
Obedience is following an authority's command. No one ordered them to answer.
C
Compliance is agreeing to an explicit request.
D
Correct. They conformed to be accepted by the group, not because they believed the group was right.
TakeawayNormative: to fit in. Informational: to be right.
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Reviewed 2026-11-05 by a medical student. Spot an error? Report it with question ID ps67.