달빛영어

Grade Level: 9th Grade

Age: 14-15 years old

Duration: 60 minutes

Lesson Objectives:

Understand the concept of conformity and its psychological basis.

Learn about Solomon Asch's conformity experiment and its findings.

Discuss the implications of conformity in society and its influence on individual decision-making.

Materials:

Whiteboard or blackboard

Chalk or markers

Projector or screen for videos

Handout with discussion questions

Introduction (10 minutes):

Begin by asking students if they know what conformity is and if they can provide examples from their own lives or popular culture.

Define conformity as a type of social influence where individuals change their attitudes or behaviors to match those of the majority or to adhere to social norms.

Introduce the Asch conformity experiment as a famous study on the power of conformity.

Instruction (20 minutes):

Provide an overview of Solomon Asch's conformity experiment, including the study's design, procedure, and participants.

Show this short video to explain the Asch conformity experiment in more detail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyDDyT1lDhA

Discuss the main findings of the Asch conformity experiment, emphasizing the extent to which individuals are willing to conform to the majority even when they know the majority is wrong.

Practice Exercises (15 minutes):

Distribute the handout with discussion questions related to the Asch conformity experiment.

Have students work in pairs or small groups to discuss the questions, which can include:

a. Why do you think people conform in situations like the Asch experiment?

b. Can you think of examples from history or current events where conformity had negative consequences?

c. How can we resist the pressure to conform in our daily lives?

Assessment (5 minutes):

Conduct a short verbal assessment by asking students to share their thoughts on the Asch conformity experiment and its implications for society.

Encourage them to reflect on how conformity may impact their own lives and decision-making.

Extensions beyond the class:

Encourage students to research other famous conformity experiments, such as the Stanford Prison Experiment or the Milgram Obedience Experiment.

Assign students to write an essay on the positive and negative aspects of conformity in society, using examples from history, current events, or personal experiences.

Interactive Fun Activities (10 minutes):

Play the "Line Length Game": Recreate a simplified version of the Asch conformity experiment by drawing three lines of different lengths on the board and asking students to determine which line is the longest.

Assign a few students as "confederates" to intentionally give incorrect answers, and observe how the rest of the class reacts.

Hold a class discussion on how the "Line Length Game" made students feel and how it relates to the Asch conformity experiment.

Encourage students to reflect on the importance of critical thinking and individual decision-making in resisting conformity pressures.

Homework Assignment:

Assign students to write a one-page reflection on their experiences and thoughts about conformity, including instances when they have conformed or resisted conformity, and what factors influenced their decisions.

Class Debate (Optional Extension Activity, 20 minutes):

Organize a class debate on whether conformity is more beneficial or harmful to society.

Divide the class into two groups, with one group arguing in favor of conformity's positive aspects (e.g., social cohesion, cooperation) and the other supporting the negative aspects (e.g., groupthink, loss of individuality).

Allow each group 5 minutes to present their arguments, followed by 2 minutes for rebuttals.

Facilitate a class discussion to help students appreciate the nuanced nature of conformity and its diverse effects on society and individuals.

Role-Play Activity (Optional Extension Activity, 15 minutes):

In small groups, have students create and perform short role-play scenarios that illustrate various forms of conformity in everyday situations (e.g., peer pressure, fashion trends, group decision-making).

After each performance, hold a brief discussion on the type of conformity portrayed and the potential consequences of conforming or not conforming in that situation.

Online Resources for Further Learning:

A TED Talk by Adam Grant on nonconformity and its potential benefits: https://www.ted.com/talks/adam_grant_the_surprising_habits_of_original_thinkers

Psychology Today article on the Asch conformity experiments and their implications: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/out-the-ooze/202006/the-eternal-challenge-conformity-pressure

Simply Psychology article on the Asch conformity experiment, including detailed explanations and criticisms of the study: https://simplypsychology.org/asch-conformity.html

By incorporating these additional components, students will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of conformity, its psychological underpinnings, and its impact on society and individual decision-making. Moreover, students will develop critical thinking skills and self-awareness that can help them navigate conformity pressures in their own lives.