What was the main aim of Asch's 1951 experiment on conformity?

The main aim of Asch's 1951 experiment on conformity was indeed to investigate conformity to obvious wrong judgments. This iconic study sought to understand how individuals would respond when confronted with a unanimous group opinion that contradicted their own perceptions. By placing participants in a setting where they had to compare the lengths of lines, Asch observed how often they would conform to the group's incorrect answers, despite their own correct judgments.

This experiment highlighted the powerful influence of social pressure on individual behavior. The findings demonstrated that many people would conform to the group's consensus, even when it was evidently wrong, showcasing the tension between individual judgment and group dynamics. This behavior reflected the importance of social acceptance and the extent to which individuals might prioritize group consensus over their own accurate perceptions. Through this experiment, Asch effectively illustrated the concept of conformity and its implications for understanding social behavior.