Social impact theory (SP)

Question 1

A01

Answer 1

• suggests that social influence is determined by three factors which are
• strength, the power or status of the source e.g. parent vs sibling,
• immediacy how close the source is in time and space e.g. text vs real life,
• and number of sources, the number of people exerting influence e.g. teacher, parents, friends.
• The theory posits that these factors interact to create an overall impact on the individual’s behavior.
• The multiplicative effect means that social influence increases with the number of people exerting it, but this increase becomes less significant as the number of sources rises.
• Additionally, social influence is affected by the divisibility of the task, with more complex tasks leading to less influence from multiple sources.

Question 2

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

Answer 2

I - Sedikides and Jackson tests components of SIT
J - found strength of the source, immediacy and number all affected obedience, + seeing the divisional effect. study in a zoo, rate of compliance decreased if the group of targets increased
E - Multiple aspects of SIT affect obedience shown in realistic setting, credible explanation of obedience

Question 3

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

Answer 3

I - psychosocial forces are different.
J - Hofling et al (1966), 21/22 nurses obeyed, doc not present, immediacy low
E - Sggts immediacy not as important in obedience as SIT suggests