# Conformity Bias Conformity bias is the tendency to align one's beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors with the group—even when the group is obviously wrong. Solomon Asch's classic experiments (1950s) showed that people would give incorrect answers about line lengths when confederates unanimously gave wrong answers. About 75% conformed at least once. Conformity has evolutionary roots (group cohesion aided survival) but can undermine [[The Wisdom of Crowds]] by destroying independence. It contributes to [[Groupthink]], [[Echo Chambers]], and poor collective decisions. Types include informational conformity (believing the group knows better) and normative conformity (wanting to fit in). ## Asch's Findings | Finding | Implication | |---------|-------------| | 75% conformed at least once | Conformity is common | | One dissenter reduces conformity | Unanimity matters | | Private answers differ | Public vs private beliefs | ## References - Asch, Solomon. "Opinions and Social Pressure" (1955) ## Related - [[Groupthink]] - [[The Wisdom of Crowds]] - [[Echo Chambers]] - [[Social Psychology]]