Conformity and Independence their Effects on Peer Pressure

Pamela Al-Shaer
Argosy University

Author Note This research was carried out as partial Fulfillment towards the Research Methods course at Argosy University by Pamela Al-Shaer. Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Pamela, Department of Psychology, Argosy University, Phoenix 2233 West Dunlap Avenue, Phoenix AZ 85021 Email: pam2pam33351@yahoo.com

Conformity and Independence their Effects on Peer Pressure and Character Traits
This study proposes to explain why a person’s character traits can lead them only to conform to positive peer pressure. As an overall perspective having good character traits in association with a balance structured family values, can instill positive peer pressure in children and adolescent, it having is builds moral character, build positive relationships, responsible activities among community, school other family members
We all have conformed to some kind of peer pressure, and gain independence at a certain age due to our character traits. Conformity is the oldest compliance there is and depending on a person’s character it could have good or bad effects on peer pressure. Allen, V. L., & Newtson, D., research propose is to investigate that we all conform to peer pressure and gain independence at a certain age, using a Asch-type line judgment task on conformity circumstances on Age trends in conformity and independence, they investigated 366 children from, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, school system. The population sample included equal parts of 58 first graders males and females, 110 fourth graders males and females, 114 seventh graders males and females, and 84 tenth graders males and females). Using stimuli’s like opinion statements, visual judgments, and delayed gratification. The study produced peer pressure, amongst 8 to 15 year olds using age trends, giving answers, were observed for unanimous peer pressure, manipulated by adult influence, and gender peer pressure. Along with the stimuli’s there were Three variables were represented (a) grades (first, fourth, seventh, and tenth), (b) gender ( sex) of (male, and female), and (c) experimenting and manipulating the conditions of each group, social support, adult stressors. The unanimous group condition contains. Results of data were due to gender, grades on visual delay of gratification items, trend analyses, adult manipulation’s, and males conform more than females (Allen, V. L., & Newtson, D., (1972).
What are some of the negative factors of conformity and its effects on peer pressure? In a laboratory-based experiment by Ray Paternoster ; Jean Marie McGloin ; Holly Nguyen ; Kyle J. Thomas (2012). under the façade of a person memory/recall study in which 91 paid samples earn up to $20 with (n = 47), chances of cheating from other participant. Results none of the participants in the control variable cheated, and 38 of the participant from (n = 47) did. Hence giving a chance almost anyone will conform when giving a chance to. The above two researches are not ethical and the only benefit is that we all will conform if stimulated too, it does nothing for our society. They only describes that peer pressure can be manipulated. It was not appropriate level for the propose was not warranted or would benefit society and there was no indication that manipulation or deception will . Why is it that peer pressure can be manipulated and how can some people be so easy to conform? Furthermore, In this study based on studies like Culture and Conformity: A Meta-Analysis of Studies Using Asch's ( 1952b, 1956) Line Judgment Task, proposed that U.S. studies shown that conformity has declined since the 1950s. Using data from 133 studies and 17 countries, from 3 surveys were used to assess significant change. In experiments like Allen, V. L., & Newtson, D (1972) suggest that we all conform