Which factor is more likely to increase conformity among group members?

Unanimity of opinions in the group is a significant factor that can notably increase conformity among group members. When all group members express the same viewpoint, individuals may feel greater pressure to agree and align themselves with the collective opinion. This tendency stems from the desire to belong, avoid conflict, and uphold social harmony within the group. When individuals perceive that dissent is not welcomed, they are more likely to suppress their own views and conform to the group's stance.

Additionally, unanimity reinforces the perception that the group's opinion is not only collective but also valid, making members less likely to question or challenge the consensus. This phenomenon is supported by various studies in social psychology, such as Asch's classic conformity experiments, which demonstrate that individuals are more prone to conform when they observe a unanimous group.

While other factors like group size, status of individuals, and accountability can influence conformity, they do not have the same direct effect as the presence of unanimous opinions. For instance, a larger group size can promote conformity up to a point, but once a majority is reached, moderate group sizes (like around three) may not exert as strong an influence if disagreements are present. In contrast, unanimity directly signals strong agreement, heightening the impact on individual behavior.