How might group size influence individual conformity and compliance?

Group size can significantly influence individual conformity and compliance, with larger groups often leading to increased conformity.

The concept of conformity refers to the act of matching attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours to group norms. Compliance, on the other hand, is a response—specifically, a submission—made in reaction to a request. Both of these behaviours can be significantly influenced by the size of the group in question.

Research in social psychology has consistently shown that as group size increases, so does the pressure to conform. This is because larger groups often have more social power and influence, which can make individuals feel more compelled to go along with the group's norms and expectations. For example, in Solomon Asch's classic conformity experiments, participants were more likely to conform to the incorrect majority when the group size was larger.

However, it's important to note that this effect has a limit. Once a group reaches a certain size (around four or five members), additional members do not significantly increase conformity. This is known as the 'plateau effect'. This suggests that while group size can influence conformity, other factors such as group unanimity, cohesion, and the individual's desire for acceptance also play a crucial role.

In terms of compliance, larger groups can also exert more pressure on individuals to comply with requests or demands. This is because larger groups often have more resources and can exert more social and psychological pressure. However, research has also shown that compliance can decrease in very large groups due to a phenomenon known as 'diffusion of responsibility', where individuals feel less personally responsible for complying with a request because there are so many other people who could also comply.

In conclusion, while group size can significantly influence individual conformity and compliance, it is not the only factor at play. Other factors such as group unanimity, cohesion, and the individual's desire for acceptance, as well as the diffusion of responsibility in very large groups, can also play a crucial role.