Social Impact Theory Flashcards
Define the term ‘Target’
The target is the person being impacted on
Define the term ‘Source’
The source is the influencer
What are the key terms of social force principle
Strength - determined by status, authority, age
Immediacy - proximity, time, distance
Number - how many sources and targets
I = f (SIN)
What does the Social Force principle suggest
The principle suggests that the legitimate authority figure, who is immediate to the individual and greater number, are more likely to be obeyed
What is the key term in Psychosocial Law
1st source has the the most impact
2nd, 3rd and 4th have less impact
What does the Psychosocial Law suggest
Suggests that as the number of sources increase, so will the number of targets. The difference levels out
What is the key definition of Division of Impact
The less people being ordered, the more likely they are to obey
What is the supporting evidence in the division of impact?
Latane and Darley - bystander behaviour
Found a lone persons more likely to help someone than a group of people.
I = f (1/SIN)
Why is SIT credible?
There is supporting research to validate.
Berkowitz, Milgram. and Bickman found that as size of stimulus crowd grew, by passers began join in.
More people were obeying the sources by adopting their in passing.
Why is SIT objective?
- mathematical formulae
- provides realise application to predict whether law will be followed, or student will do their homework
Why is SIT reductionist?
- Ignores individual differences
- Oscar Schindler
- Doesnt consider how personality affects obedience
- Compliance, rebellious personalities
Name another weakness of the theory
Does not mention moral strain or how anxiety can affect obedience. Views people as obeying or disobeying and nothing in between.
