Social Influence - Resistance To SI Flashcards
What are the two main explanations for resistance to social influence?
- social support
- locus of control
Define the term social support
Having the support of others provides justification as to also resist the SI given
How does social support aid resistance to SI?
If others do not conform or disobey, it makes it much easier to also not conform or disobey as it increases confidence
What evidence is there to support social support as an explanation for resistance to SI?
Asch’s study - lower conformity when pp was paired with confederate who gave the same answer as pp
Milgram’s study - lower obedience when pp were paired with 2 confederates disobeying at 300V
Define the term locus of control
The sense of control you have in a situation
What are the two parts of locus of control?
- internal
- external
What is an internal locus of control?
When a person has high self confidence so actions and behaviours are down to the individual (own responsibility)
What is an external locus of control?
When a person has low self confidence so actions and behaviours are down to other factors (fate)
Are people with an internal or external locus of control more likely to resist SI?
Internal
Give one strength of locus of control as an explanation of resistance to SI
Research evidence of Oliner and Oliner shows there was a connection between internal L of C and resistance
Give one weakness of locus of control as an explanation of resistance to SI
Measured using a questionnaire which is open to social desirability bias
Give one strength of social support as an explanation of resistance to SI
Research evidence of Asch and Milgram that ss increases resistance to SI, decreases conformity (Asch) and obedience (Milgram)
Give one weakness of social support as an explanation of resistance to SI
Not a complete explanation for disobedience as social support may still mean some obey even with support to resist
