Resistance to social influence SI

Question 1

resistance to social influence definition

Answer 1

The ability to withstand social pressure to conform or obey authority. Influenced by situational and dispositional factors

Question 2

2 key factors of resistance to social influence

Answer 2

• Social Support: Presence of others resisting influence makes resistance easier.
• Locus of Control (LoC): Internal LoC individuals are more resistant.

Question 3

social support - resisting conformity

Answer 3

Study: Asch (1951)

• Confederate not conforming helps participant resist pressure.
• If a non-conforming confederate is present, conformity rates drop.
• Why? Majority is no longer unanimous, making resistance easier

Question 4

RWA of social support - resisting conformity

Answer 4

Albrecht et al. (2006): Social support reduced smoking rates in adolescents.

Question 5

social support - resisting obediance

Answer 5

Study: Milgram (1974)

• When a disobedient peer was present, obedience dropped from 65% to 10%.
• Why? Disobedient peer acts as a model, increasing confidence in personal judgment.

Question 6

research evidence for social support - resisting obediance

Answer 6

• Gamson et al. (1982): 88% of participants rebelled when in a group.
• Why? Group setting provides stronger social support.

Question 7

Locus of Control (LoC)

Answer 7

Theory: Rotter (1966)

• Internal LoC: Believe they control their actions → More resistance.
• External LoC: Believe fate/luck controls life → Less resistance.

Question 8

LoC Continuum

Answer 8

Not just “internal” or “external”; exists on a spectrum.

Question 9

evidence for locus of control

Answer 9

• Holland (1967): 37% of internals resisted, vs. 23% of externals.
• Twenge et al. (2004): Over time, people became more resistant but also more external.

Question 10

strengths for social support

Answer 10

• Research support: Allen & Levine (1971) - Even a dissenter with poor eyesight reduced conformity.
• Real-world support: Albrecht et al. (2006) - “Buddy” system helped teens resist smoking.

Question 11

limitations for social support

Answer 11

Dissenters’ impact varies: Allen & Levine (1971) - If dissenter wore thick glasses, conformity only dropped slightly.

Question 12

strengths of locus of control

Answer 12

• Research evidence: Holland (1967) - Internals resist more.
• Link to real-world scenarios: Internals are more self-confident, goal-oriented.

Question 13

limitations of locus of control

Answer 13

• Contradictory findings: Twenge et al. (2004) - People became more resistant but also more external.
• Limited role of LoC: Rotter (1982) - LoC is only important in new situations, not familiar ones.