Social impact theory (SP)

Question 1

Evaluate the strength of Social impact theory (with supportive evidence)

Answer 1

I - A strength of social impact theory is the evidence from Sedikides and Jackson (1990), because it tests the components of the theory and has results that demonstrate the effects of them.
J - They found that the strength of the source, immediacy and number all affected obedience,
alongside seeing the divisional effect. The study took place in a zoo, and when customers were instructed to move, the rate of compliance decreased if the group of targets increased.
E - This study demonstrates that multiple aspects of social impact theory have been shown to influence obedience in a realistic setting which makes the theory a credible explanation of why people obey authority.

Question 2

Evaluate the weakness of social impact theory (with contradictory evidence)

Answer 2

I - A weakness of social impact theory is there is contradictory evidence to suggest the psychosocial forces are different.
J - Hofling et al (1966) counters social impact theory as 21/22 nurses obeyed orders to overdose a patient on a medication based on orders from a doctor delivered over the phone. The doctor was not present, so the immediacy was low, however, the majority of the nurses still obeyed.
E - This suggests that immediacy may not play such an important role, or have as great an impact on obedience as proposed by the social impact theory, discrediting the theory