SP - Resistance to social influence Flashcards
what is Locus of Control
a person’s perception of personal control over their own behaviour
what is an internal locus of control
an individual who believes their life is determined by their own decisions and efforts
what is an external locus of control
an individual who believes their life is determined by fate, luck and external factors
characteristics of internal LOC
High level of personal control over their lives and behaviour. Take personal responsibility for it
how does internal LOC relate to social influence
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.
characteristics of external LOC
The belief that life is determined by external/environmental factors, such as luck. ‘wrong place, wrong time’
how does external LOC relate to social influence
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.
strengths of Locus of control
- simple
- highly controlled -> repeatable
- good ethics (no deception, harm or distress)
weaknesses of Locus of control
- demand characteristics
- closed questions - no elaboration/reasoning
what is social support
where to presence of people who resist pressures to conform or obey can help others to do the same.
how does Asch research the effect of social support on conformity
with the presence of an ally, conformity fell to 5% from 75% at least once
how did Milgram research the effect of social support on obedience
when the teachers was joined by another disobedient confederate, obedience fell to 10% from 65%
strengths of the social support explanation
- practical application (London riots)
- ecological validity
- easy to replicate research with dissenters
weaknesses of the social support explanation
- Some personalities may not value social support like internal control / authoritarian so they cannot support research.
