Explanations of Resistance to Social Influence

Question 1

What are the two explanations for resistance to social influence?

Answer 1

• social support
• locus of control

Question 2

Explain the concept of social support.

Answer 2

The presence of others who resist social pressures, encourage the individual to resist and follow their own conscience.

Question 3

Social support and resisting conformity

Answer 3

Asch’s variation: ppts had allies as social support which broke the unanimity.
* conformity decreased to 5.5%

Question 4

Social support and resisting obedience

Answer 4

Milgram’s variations: disobedient confederate joined (acting as a model of dissent)
* obedience dropped from 65% to 10%

Question 5

What is locus of control? (LOC)

Answer 5

Developed by Rotter, refers to an individuals perception of how much control they have over events in their life.

Question 6

How is our locus of control measured?

Answer 6

LOC exists on a continuum (changes over time) ranging from high internal to high external.

Question 7

What are the features of an individual with an internal LOC?

Answer 7

• personal agency and autonomy
• don’t rely on others opinions
• attribute success/failure to their own efforts and choices.

Question 8

What are the features of an individual with an external LOC?

Answer 8

• their lives are controlled by external factors i.e. luck & fate
• less in control of their own circumstances

Question 9

Evaluate LOC as an explanation for resistance to social influence.