Influence of Group Size on Social Conformity among Ethnic Groups in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Research indicates that groups perform best, and their members learn the most when they solve problems with demonstrably correct solutions. Indeed, psychological research on social conformity finds that a unanimous group is more likely to elicit a conforming response from someone compared to when there is dissent, even when that dissent comes from a single member who is clearly wrong in his or her judgment. This may lead correct members to doubt the accuracy of their own solution, and reduce their desire to demonstrate its correctness publicly. In spite of scholarly recognition of the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria, the importance of group size on social conformity particularly among other ethnic groups is undermined. Several examples across Nigeria raise concerns, and expectedly, the group conformity and governance of Nigeria continues to be rudely punctuated by a very disturbing ethnic and ethnic related crises that threaten its continued existence as a Nation.