social impact theory

Question 1

who came up with this theory

Answer 1

lantane and Wolfe in 1981

Question 2

what are sources and targets

Answer 2

sources - people who influence
targets - people who are influenced

Question 3

what three factors affect influnces of sources

Answer 3

importance - strength of status
immediacy - how close/proximity
number - how many

Question 4

describe number

Answer 4

as the number of sources increases so does the influence. law of diminishing - 2+1 will have more effect then 38+1 on increasing influence. ie 2 football player arguing with the referee vs 1.

Question 5

describe strength

Answer 5

high power and status the targets are more likely to be influenced by them. also when the target see other members of the group as competent, they are more likely to conform. ie wearing uniforms, level of education.

Question 6

explain how compliance can lead to obedience.

Answer 6

the sources enhance their strength by making target feel obliged to the source.

Question 7

describe proximity

Answer 7

closeness in time and space as well as emotionally will increase obedience.

Question 8

give research to support. how good

Answer 8

milligrams variations
telephone instructions PROXIMITY 40% obeyed and ppts administered a lower voltage then required when experimenter wasn’t present.
run down office block 20% obeyed /ordinary man 4/20 obeyed STRENGTH
2 professors NUMBER

Question 9

what is the application

Answer 9

politicians can use these methods ie handing out fliers and working within the community to increase the likelihood and popularity amongst the public. in schools to get students to comply with their education