What aspect of group dynamics did Asch manipulate to study conformity?

The manipulation of the size of the majority group is crucial in Asch's studies on conformity. This aspect directly impacts the pressure felt by the individual who is the focus of the experiment, as it determines how many people are presenting the majority view. Asch's findings indicated that as the size of the majority increased, conformity also increased up to a certain point. The presence of a larger majority creates a stronger social influence, making it more likely for an individual to conform to the group’s incorrect consensus.

This is particularly significant because it highlights the power of social proof in influencing behavior; individuals may feel compelled to agree with a majority opinion, even when it conflicts with their own perceptions, out of fear of ridicule or ostracism. Understanding this relationship between group size and conformity helps to illustrate broader principles of social psychology and human behavior.