Independent Behaviour Flashcards
What is independent behaviour?
- When someone does not respond to social norms of the group
- They make others conform and obey but they do not pay attention or influenced
Example of everday behaviour demonstrating independent behaviour
- Independent study
What percent of people acted independently in Asch’s original study?
25%
What percentage did people act independently in Milgram’s original study?
35%
Explanation 1: Social Support
Resisting conformity : ASCH
Conformity is reduced by dissenting peer
- Pressure to conform is reduced if other people are conforming
- Asch’s research showed that the dissenter doesn’t have to give ‘right’ answer
- Simply someone else not following the majority frees others to follow their own conscience
- The dissenter acts as a ‘model’ - obedience dropped from 33% to 5.5% - right answer
Explanation 1: Social Support
Resisting conformity : ASCH
Conformity effect is not long lasting
- Asch’s research also showed that if this non-conforming peer starts conforming again, so does the naiive particpant
Explanation 1: Social Support
Resisting obedience : MILGRAM
Obedience is reduced by one other dissenting partner (social support)
- Pressure to obey can be reduced if another person seems to disobey
- Milgram’s research: independent behaviour increased in disobedient peer condtion (35% to 90%)
- Participant may not follow the disobedient peer but the dissenter disobedience frees the particpant to act on their own conscience
What is the locus of control?
- This is when we associated with control over events in life
Example of internal locus of control
I have failed my exam
I really should have studied more
I know that I didn’t put as much effort into revision as I could have
Example of external locus of control
I have failed my exam
I had a rubbish teacher
My little brother kept interrupting me when I tried to revise
How is locus of control assessed?
Through 13 element questionnaire
What happens when there is a strong internal locus of control?
Associated with belief that we can control event in our life
People with high in internally rely less on opnions of others and better to resist social influence
What happens if there is a high external locus of control?
- Associated with the belief that what happens is determined by external factors
- People high externally beliebe what happens is largely out of control
- They are more likely to accept the influence of others
- Take no personal responsibility for their actions
Explan link between internality and resistance to social influence
- Research uncovered characteristics that have relevance for resisting social influence
- e.g high internals are active seekers of information
- Less likely to rely on opnions of others
- Less vulnerable to social influence
What are two explanations for resistance of social influence
- Social support e.g research
- Locus of control
Strength
research evidence supports fidssenting peers in resisting conformity
- Gamson et al (1982) found higher levels of rebellion (i.e. independent behaviour) than Milgram did. They were put in groups (to produce evidence that an oil company use to run smear campagin)
- Found 29/33 particpants rebelled
- Shows peer support linked to great resistance
Strength
Show link between LOC and resistance to obedience
- Holland (1967) repeated Milgram’s study and measured whether particpants were internals or externals
- 37& of internals did not continue with highest shock level (only showed independence)
- Only 23% of externals did not continue
- So internals show greater resistance. Support increases valdity of LOC explanantion and it explain resistance
Limitation
Role of LOC in resisting social influence may be exaggerted
- Rotter foud LOC is important in only new situations. Little influence in familar situations where previous experiences are always more important
- Often overlooked.
- Means peple conformed or obeyed in specific situation in past and likely to do it again even if high internal LOC
- Limitation as it means LOC is only helpful in explanaing a narrow range of situations
Limitation
Not all research support link LOC and resistance
- Twenge et al analysed data from American locus of control studies over 40 years
- Showing people have became more independent but more external
- If resistance was linked to internal LOC we expect people to have more internal
- Challenges link between internal LOC and resistance
- However results may be due to changing society where many things are increasingly out of control
Discuss research into indepdent behaviour
Asch
Milgram
AO3 - Interal/external locus of control
Discuss reasons why people resist the pressure to conform and obey
Indepdent behaviour
Locus of control
