Social Impact Theory Flashcards
Theories of obedience=
Social Impact Theory (Latane 1981)
3 Key principles
Social Forces=Social influence is a function of STRENGTH,IMMEDIACY+ NO OF SOURCES compared to target
Psychosocial Law= Effect of STRENGTH, IMMEDIACY +. NO OF SOURCES> greater in SMALLER target numbers
Multiplication VS Division of Impact=
Multiplication effect- STRENGTHxIMMEDICACYxNO of SOURCES- ALL 3 will have GREATEST impact
Divisional Effect- IMPACT of SOURCE
——————————-
NUMBER of TARGETS
Theories of obedience=
Social Impact Theory (Latane 1981)
Approach
Looks so at FUNCTIONING of individuals in the PRESENCE of others. How we are affected by the SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT
Individual THOUGHTS,FEELING,BEHAVIOUR that is exerted by REAL,IMPLIED, IMAGINED presence or actions of others
People move towards their group-> SOCIAL NORMS + ATTITUDES change to be closer to SOURCE OF INFLUENCE eg a group
Theories of obedience=
Social Impact Theory (Latane 1981)
Laws of Behaviour
This theory can generate these laws by considering EFFECTS of TIME + SPACE and how INDIVIDUALS affect each other
i=f(sin) NO of PEOPLE in environment= No of
Sources + target
i= impact. IMMEDIACY of impact= proximity + distance
f= function STRENGTH of IMPACT= status, legitimacy
Of authority, age
Law of diminishing returns- as NUMBER
INCREASES beyond a certain level,
PERCENTAGE DIFFERENCE in IMPACT
DECREASES
Theories of obedience=
Social Impact Theory (Latane 1981)
Links to Milgram
Milgram found that an individuals behaviour in a group was DIFFERENT from their behaviour on their OWN, a finding supported by SIT
In his variations he brought in the PRESENCE of others, such as his ‘two peers’ REBEL CONDITION which MEEUS + RAAIJMAKER (1986) replicated
Theories of obedience=
Social Impact Theory (Latane 1981)
A03-Generalisability
In theory, Social impact theory should be universal; the social forces- strength, immediacy and number are claimed to be present in all cultures and groups. Therefore, the theory should easily be generalisable to different cultures. This means the theory is highly applicable in all societies in estimating levels of obedience and creating social harmony
Theories of obedience=
Social Impact Theory (Latane 1981)
A03-Objectivity
The theory uses the mathematical formula i=f(sin) to give an objective measure on obedience to expected. This improves the validity of the theory as it predictions on obedience cannot be altered by subjectivity in following a formula. Furthermore, it has useful predictive power in aiding society in controlling obedience which may be detrimental if the factors of strength, immediacy and number can be measured. It is likely to give an accurate estimate on the obedience which would be present in society.
Theories of obedience=
Social Impact Theory (Latane 1981)
A03- Reductionist
The theory only takes into account 3 factors: strength, immediacy and number which may influence obedience in society, reducing it to a mathematical formula and dismissing multiple other factors such as powers of persuasion, size of group etc which may also impact obedience. Furthermore, individual differences in personality such as those with strong locus of control are not accounted for. These factors could alter the level of obedience in society, suggesting the mathematical formula doesn’t accurately measure the level of obedience in society, reducing the overall validity of the theory.
Theories of obedience=
Social Impact Theory (Latane 1981)
A03- Description rather than explanation
Social impact theory, considers the effect of our social environment on obedience, suggesting the real or imagined presence of others can impact our levels of obedience. However, this approach can be criticised as too general in it’s approach to exploring obedience. For instance, social impact theory fails to explain why also a change in setting can impact obedience, suggesting it’s not a full explanation of obedience, reducing its validity.
