Resistance to Social Influence

Question 1

What does Social support help in achieving?

Answer 1

Resisting conformity: the pressure to conform can be resisted if there are non-conformers present (Asch variation)
Resisting obedience: the pressure to obey can be resisted if there is a disobedient person present (Milgram variation)

Question 2

What is the Locus of control and the types?

Answer 2

Rotter proposed the LoC as a concept of internal control versus external;
- People with EXTERNAL LoC believe everything that happens is outside of their control
- People with INTERNAL LoC believe things that happen to them are largely controlled by themselves
Rotter concluded people with high internal LoC are more likely able to resist social pressure to conform/obey

Question 3

What are the strengths and limits of Social support?

Answer 3

Strengths:
- Real world research support (pregnant women, social pressure to smoke)
- Research support for dissenting peers (Gamson et al)

Question 4

What are the strengths and limits of Locus of control?

Answer 4

Strengths:
- Research support (Holland repeated Milgram but tested the ppts LoC, 37% Internal disobeyed and 23% external disobeyed)
Limits:
- Research against (Twenge et al took data from LoC studies over 40 yr period, more external LoC people resisted social influence)