Obedience: social impact theory (AO3 - evaluation)

Question 1

What is the strength of social impact theory?

Answer 1

It is supported by research by evidence (Sedikides and Jackson 1990)

Question 2

Constantine Sedikides and Jeffrey Jackson (1990)’s results for field experiment at NYC zoo to not lean on the railings?

Answer 2

Confederate as zookeeper - 58%
Confederate in t-shirt and shorts - 35%
In same room - 61%
In adjacent room - 7%
Small group of 1/2 - 60%
Group of 5/6 - 14%

Question 3

Competing argument to Constantine Sedikides and Jeffrey Jackson (1990)’s results for field experiment at NYC zoo to not lean on the railings?

Answer 3

It was a field experiment so researchers couldn’t manipulate the number of people in each group - obedient personality is a confounding variable, and people who choose to go around in larger groups may have less obedient personalities

Question 4

What did this threaten?

Answer 4

Internal validity

Question 5

What is a weakness of social impact theory?

Answer 5

That the role of immediacy may not be key in social impact

Question 6

Charles Hofling et al.’s (1966) results to phone 22 nurses to administer an overdose

Answer 6

95% - challenges Social Impact theory as source being absent should have reduced the effect

Question 7

Conclusion for Social Impact theory?

Answer 7

Supported by research studies which demonstrate the importance of SIN in predicting obedience. However, its reductionist

Question 8

Application: where is social impact theory applied?

Answer 8

To understand how people enhance social influence

Question 9

How can Social Impact theory increase political influence?

Answer 9

Strong and persuasive style of communication, talking face-to-face with voters, addressing smaller groups