Resistance to social influence

Question 1

why we might resist the pressure to conform? (2 marks)

Answer 1

• individual differences
• people with high self-esteem
• no need for social approval are less likely to go along with the group
• want to be unique

Question 2

Explain what is meant by locus of control (4 marks)

Answer 2

• locus of control is how much control a person has over their behaviour
• measured along a scale with internal on one end and external on the other
• external: believe behaviour is controlled by other forces such as luck or fate
• internal: people believe they have a great deal of control over their behaviour
• take responsibility
• more likely to resist social pressure

Question 3

why people might resist pressures to conform? (8 marks)

Answer 3

1) internal loc
2) dispositional factors
3) desire for individuation
4) other people who don’t conform