The studies by Asch and by Milgram indicate that both conformity to group pressure and obedience to commands are reduced by
A) group cohesiveness.
B) group polarization.
C) the presence of a dissenter.
D) centralized communication.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of a dissenter in both Asch's and Milgram's studies disrupted conformity or obedience to authority, respectively. When just one person in the group or experiment refused to conform or obey, it created a sense of social support for others to deviate from the group or authority figures. Group cohesiveness (A) and centralized communication (D) were not found to have a significant impact on reducing conformity or obedience in these studies. Group polarization (B) was not directly tested in these studies, but it refers to the tendency for groups to enhance their pre-existing attitudes and beliefs, rather than deviate from them, so it is unlikely to reduce conformity or obedience.

The Studies by Asch and by Milgram Indicate That Both