SI: 3, Resistance to SI

Question 1

what is resistance to social influence?

Answer 1

ability to oppose the pressure to conform to a majority group or obey an authority figure by maintaining personal autonomy

Question 2

what are the 2 explanations for resistance to social influence?

Answer 2

locus of control & social support

Question 3

outline social support

Answer 3

• the presence of others who defy authority or majority opinion
• associated with the diffusion of responsibility (more people who dissent/disobey, less severe the consequences)
• counters feelings of isolation which reinforces individual’s resolve, legitimises resistance
• ally breaks the group’s unanimity in conformity, ally challenges legitimacy of authority in obedience

Question 4

outline locus of control

Answer 4

Rotter (1966) - refers to the extent to which people consider their own actions the cause of experiences
- measured on scale of internal & external
internal: personal control, more likely to take responsibility for actions
external: believe external factors control life, less empowered to resist social pressure