Question
Researchers have identified different features of science, including:
• replicability
• theory construction
• hypothesis testing.
Explain how Asch's conformity research illustrates one of these features of science. [3 marks]
Answer
Asch's study illustrates the replicability feature of science through the use of standardised procedures. In his experiment, Asch standardised several key elements: a) the number of confederates (6 to 8); b) the length of the lines; and c) the position of the naïve participant, who always sat second from last. These controls enabled Asch and later researchers (e.g., Perrin and Spencer, 1981) to replicate the study and assess the reliability of the findings.
Examiner Comment: Students often find this type of question challenging. Some confuse replicability with replication and simply describe Asch's variations. Although some students understand the concept of a standardised procedure, many struggle to apply this knowledge in context, for example, by explaining which standardised procedures were used and why they were important, as shown in the example response above.