“Fifty-two groups of two were set up experimentally, containing one genuine S and one confederate. The S received standard sets of written messages, in what was ostensibly a discussion of the merits of a picture. The Ss manifested more social influence when their final opinion was stated in 'public' to the confederate, than when stated in 'private.' It was predicted that more influence would occur when the messages had a 'rejecting' tone than when they were 'accepting.' This did not occur; various explanations are advanced. Perceived rejection was greater when rejecting messages were received. This effect was most marked in the 'private' condition.” (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)