social impact theory

Question 1

AO1

Answer 1

Immediacy- how recent was the order given , the proximity between the source and target
strength- how much power you believe the person influencing you has
Number- the more people putting pressure on you to do something the more social force/Impact they will have
F=(SxIxN)

Question 2

key concept

Answer 2

peoples behaviour is influenced by social forces

Question 3

Strengths- ao3

Answer 3

S- supported by Milgram v10/13; the strength of the source is compromised, social force is lowered so people obey less- credible explanation of obedience
U- Allows us to understand events like the Mai Li; soldiers were given orders over the radio and didn’t obey, immediacy affects obedience- credible explanation of obedience

Question 4

Weaknesses- A03

Answer 4

C- conflicted by milligrams research; conducted research reviewing studies into SIT; found immediacy and strength were not consistent in their effects- less credible explanation of obedience If all factors are not valid
O- agency theory; explains how the authority figure effects levels of obedience
OTOH- agency theory does not take into account situational factors