SP - Resistance to social influence

Question 1

what is Locus of Control

Answer 1

a person’s perception of personal control over their own behaviour

Question 2

what is an internal locus of control

Answer 2

an individual who believes their life is determined by their own decisions and efforts

Question 3

what is an external locus of control

Answer 3

an individual who believes their life is determined by fate, luck and external factors

Question 4

characteristics of internal LOC

Answer 4

High level of personal control over their lives and behaviour. Take personal responsibility for it

Question 5

how does internal LOC relate to social influence

Answer 5

High internal actively seek out information which will help them personally and are less likely to rely on others. They are more achievement oriented and can resist pressure from others. They are less likely to conform/obey.

Question 5

characteristics of external LOC

Answer 5

The belief that life is determined by external/environmental factors, such as luck. ‘wrong place, wrong time’

Question 6

how does external LOC relate to social influence

Answer 6

High external are more likely to be influenced by other as they don’t believe they exercise personal control over their lives. More likely to obey/conform.

Question 7

strengths of Locus of control

Answer 7

• simple
• highly controlled -> repeatable
• good ethics (no deception, harm or distress)

Question 8

weaknesses of Locus of control

Answer 8

• demand characteristics
• closed questions - no elaboration/reasoning

Question 9

what is social support

Answer 9

where to presence of people who resist pressures to conform or obey can help others to do the same.

Question 10

how does Asch research the effect of social support on conformity

Answer 10

with the presence of an ally, conformity fell to 5% from 75% at least once

Question 11

how did Milgram research the effect of social support on obedience

Answer 11

when the teachers was joined by another disobedient confederate, obedience fell to 10% from 65%

Question 12

strengths of the social support explanation

Answer 12

• practical application (London riots)
• ecological validity
• easy to replicate research with dissenters

Question 13

weaknesses of the social support explanation

Answer 13

• Some personalities may not value social support like internal control / authoritarian so they cannot support research.