Resistance to social influence Flashcards
What are the two explanations for resisting social influence?
Social support. Locus of control.
What is social support?
The perception that an individual has assistance available from other people, and that they are a part of a supportive network.
How does social support reduce the effects of conformity?
Breaks unanimous position of majority. Possibility that there are other legitimate responses. Individual more confident in decision and likely to stand up to majority.
How does social support reduce the affects of obedience?
Disobedience of peers makes it easier to not obey. Role model for own behaviour. Can use defence of peers to justify disobedience.
What does locus of control refer to?
The extent to which a person believes that have control over their own behaviour.
What are the two locus of controls?
High internal - we can control events in our life. (Internality)
High external - what happens to us is determined by external factors. (Externality)
How does a high internal locus of control lead to resistance to social influence?
- Seek information that is useful to them, less likely to rely on opinions from others (conformity)
- More achievement-oriented, so more likely to become leaders than followers (obedience)
- More likely to resist coercion
(AO3) What research evidence is there for locus of control?
Avtgis meta-analysis of studies considering Locus of control and likelihood to conform. Significant positive correlation.
(AO3) How has locus of control changed over time?
People more external now - especially young people. Meta-analysis found young Americans increasingly believe their fate is determined by luck and powerful others. May be explained by young people feeling more alienated.
(AO3) How can social support be applied in real life?
Important factor in minority influence. Disobedience can catalyse a conversion process. Leads to social change. For example women’s right to vote + Suffragettes.
(AO3) What evidence is there for social support resisting conformity?
Asch line study. 33% conformity with unanimous majority, 5.5% with ally (confederate or naïve participant).
