Explanations of Resistance to Social Influence

Question 1

Locus of Control Rotter (1966)

Answer 1

Rotter (1966): What an individual perceives control to be. There is a range of this. A High Internal Locus of Control is someone who takes responsibility of their actions, is less swayed by the opinions of others, and a strong sense of self-efficacy. A High External Locus of Control is someone who feels their success was due to luck, believes they can’t change the situation, feel powerless, and blame outside forces for their circumstances.

Question 2

Locus of Control Holland(1967)

Answer 2

Holland repeated Milgram’s study to measure whether individuals were internals or externals. 37% of internals did not continue to the highest shock percentage (showed resistance). This is compared to 23% of externals that did not continue to the highest shock percentage. Internals showed greater resistance to authority.

Question 3

Social Support: Obedience

Answer 3

If the participant has other people resisting the obedience, then they will be much more likely to not be obedient, other people let them resist social influence.

Question 4

Social Support: Conformity

Answer 4

Social Support helps resist conformity, the pressure to conform is reduced if there is another person besides the participant who is going against the majority. This helps them become more confident in their view and more willing to go against the majority.