Resisting social influence - Locus of control Flashcards
What is locus of control?
The extent to which we think we have control over our own behaviour as measured by a questionnaire.
What is a high external LoC?
Believes what happens to them are due to fate, luck or other uncontrollable forces.
What is a high internal locus of control?
Believes they are responsible for their own actions. More resistant to social pressure as they believe themselves as free to choose to conform. They are less reliant on the opinions of others and are more likely to base their decisions off of their own opinions. They are more likely to be leaders and have less need for social approval.
Is their research to support ILoC?
Spector investigated 157 students, and found that those who scored higher on the external LoC were more likely to conform in situations of normative social influence.
Is the effect of LoC exaggerated?
Rutter pointed out that it only comes into play in novel situations, as it has very little influence over behaviour in familiar situations. If you obeyed in the past, this may lead you to obey again.
Is there refuting evidence for LoC?
Twenge found that over a 40 year period people are more likely to develop an external LoC, meaning that people tend to behave in a certain way based on prior experience.
Are there practical applications of LoC?
PREVENT strategies help to prevent people from succumbing to extremist beliefs and behaviours. Individuals who have a high ELoC are more likely to conform to extremist beliefs.
