Conformity and modeling in an aversive task

J Clin Psychol. 1976 Apr;32(2):265-7. doi: 10.1002/1097-4679(197604)32:2<265::aid-jclp2270320212>3.0.co;2-t.

Abstract

High- and low-conformity groups, as measured by the California Personality Inventory, were exposed to a video-taped model who performed an aversive task (i.e., self-administration of electric shock). Comparable groups performed the task without demonstration by the model. In both groups, the modeling procedure produced significantly higher levels of self-administered shock. However, the conformity variable demonstrated no main effect and no interaction with the modeling variable.

MeSH terms

  • Avoidance Learning*
  • Electroshock
  • Humans
  • Imitative Behavior*
  • Personality Inventory
  • Social Conformity*