“Participants’ conformity was measured by how much they wished to conform to social expectations and be seen in a positive light, known as ‘social desirability’. They completed a standardised measure and were also asked about their attitude towards paying tax. People who score highly on social desirability are more likely to conform, for example by paying tax, and agree with others. The researchers expected that they would be more likely to co-operate as well.”
Properly, they are not measuring conformity. What they have done is asked people to signal whether they want to be identified as a “member in good standing”. This seems like an excellent way to generate an error because it also selects for people who have an incentive to be seen this way. People who are not particularly good at working with others or who lack competence will need to signal group identity more. This could explain why “conformists” appear to be worse at cooperating.
From the “relevant link”:
“Participants’ conformity was measured by how much they wished to conform to social expectations and be seen in a positive light, known as ‘social desirability’. They completed a standardised measure and were also asked about their attitude towards paying tax. People who score highly on social desirability are more likely to conform, for example by paying tax, and agree with others. The researchers expected that they would be more likely to co-operate as well.”
Properly, they are not measuring conformity. What they have done is asked people to signal whether they want to be identified as a “member in good standing”. This seems like an excellent way to generate an error because it also selects for people who have an incentive to be seen this way. People who are not particularly good at working with others or who lack competence will need to signal group identity more. This could explain why “conformists” appear to be worse at cooperating.