Eval for resisting social influence

Question 1

for Social support

Research support-resistance to conformity

Answer 1

Research has shown that the role of dissenting peers helps with resisting conformity. for example Allen and Levine found that conformity decreased when there was just one dissenter in an Asch-type study. This even occurred when the dissenter wore thick glasses and said he had difficulty with his vision. Therefore it would be difficult for him to judge the length of the line. This supports the view that resistance to social influence is not juts motivated by following what someone else says but it enables someone to be free of the pressure from the group

Question 2

For social support

Research support for resistance to obedience

Answer 2

research evidence that supports role of dissenting peers in resisting obedience. Gamson et al found higher levels of resistance in their study than Milgram. This was due to the fact that Gamson’s ppt were in groups rather than being alone in a room like in Milgram’s study.

Therefore this is a strength because in Gamson’s study 88% rebelled. This shows that peer support is linked to greater resistance.

Question 3

For LOC

Research support

Answer 3

There is a link between LOC and resistance to obedience. Holland repeated Milgram’s study and measured whether ppts were internals or externals. 37% of internals did not continue to the highest shock level while 23% of externals did not continue. i.e internals showed greater resistance to authority.

Therefore this a strength as this study increases the Validity of the LOC explanation

Question 4

Limitation For LOC

Contradictory research

Answer 4

Twenge et al analysed data from American LOC studies over a 40 year time period. Data had shown that over time people have become more resistant to obedience but also more external. If resitance= internal LOC we would expect people to become more internal.

Therefore this is a limitation as this challenges the link between internal LOC and increasing resistant behaviour. So this this explanation lacks external validity.

Question 5

Even more research support for LOC
(Avtgis)

Answer 5

He carried out a meta analysis of studies of the relationship between Locus of control and different forms of SI including conformity. There was a strong positive correlation between scores of Internals/externals and scores on measures of persuasion, SI and conformity.

Strength because His analysis showed that those who scored high on external LOC tend to be more easily persuaded, more easily influenced and more conforming than those who score as internals in terms of LOC