Social Impact Theory

Question 1

The Target

Answer 1

The target is the person or people being impacted.

Question 2

The Source

Answer 2

The source is the people or person doing the impacting.

Question 3

Mathematical Equation: i-f(SIN)

Answer 3

i= impact
f= factor
S= strength 
I= immediacy
N= number of sources

Question 4

Strength

Answer 4

Strength is how much influence or power the target perceives the source to have. This is determined by his or her status, age, ability or relationship to the target.

Question 5

Immediacy

Answer 5

Immediacy refers to factors such as proximity or closeness in time and space to the target.

Question 6

Number

Answer 6

Number refers to the number of sources exerting social influence on the target.

Question 7

What does the theory state about strength?

Answer 7

The stronger the source, the greater the impact on the target.

Question 8

What does the theory state about immediacy?

Answer 8

The closer the source is to the target the greater the influence on the target.

Question 9

What does the theory state about number?

Answer 9

The greater the number of sources the more likely the target is to be obedient.

Question 10

The Division of Impact Effect: i=f(1/SIN)

Answer 10

Latané stated that sometimes the impact of a single source is divided by the number of targets and therefore becomes less potent.