Social control

Question 1

Define social control

Answer 1

Social control is when an individual or groups behaviour is regulated so they comply to social norms and structures

Question 2

Why those in power exercise social control

Answer 2

Exercising social control can be a conscious decision by those in power to elicit behaviours they want to see from others

Question 3

Where it arises from

Answer 3

In psych social control arises from theories that suggest ways in which people should be treated

Question 4

Ways peoples lives are controlled

Answer 4

Most ways in which peoples lives are controlled by psychologists are non-controversial and can be useful such as behaviours that put others at risk

Question 5

Social

Answer 5

Sherif: Superordinate goals directly manipulates people to produce a desired behaviour. Justified as it removes prejudice
Social impact theory: aspects such as uniform/status, proximity /buffer and social contract can all ensure obedience occurs. This means that people are being forced to be compliant, when they may not wish to behave in such a way. Justified as can help give insight into how to prevent unacceptable control of others and how we can work together in harmony in society

Question 6

Cog/Clin

Answer 6

Cognitive interview - eyewitness testimony dictates who can testify and under what conditions to give an accurate testimony. Leading questions cannot be used, and the eyewitness is forced to conform to a strict interview technique that they may not want to conform to. justified as its seen as needed in society as it ensures eye witness testimony can be trusted and is accurate and is used as reliable evidence. Therefore, this social control has increased the number of correct convictions within society
CBT - therapist encourages to change their processing and thought patterns to then change their behaviour. For OCD patients make a hierarchy and encourage to work their way through the hierarchy without completing their compulsion. Justified as can treat patients

Question 7

Bio

Answer 7

Drug treatment for imbalances of NT’s: This can be seen as social control as drugs are altering the biology of someone to then directly control their behaviour. Drugs are prescribed by doctors. The doctors decide how often the patient will take the drug, what drug they will take, what dosage and for how long. Justified as it treats patients

Assumption that behaviour is predetermined, suggesting that human behaviour can easily be controlled: can be seen as social control as it can justify screening people such as XYY so then behaviour will be monitored. Justified as it can help treat patients

Question 8

Learning

Answer 8

SD: decides phobia is abnormal and therapist is changing the behaviour. Justified by Capafons
Operant conditioning and token economy: staff in prisons use it to control and manipulate prisoners behaviour as staff decide what is desirable. Justified as it allows prison life to run smoothly