social impact theory Flashcards
(20 cards)
what is social impact theory?
explains how individuals are affected by social forces , suggests people are influenced based on:
- strength
- immediacy
- number
More of these = greater the social impact
What does strength mean is SIT?
the perceived legitimate power , authority , or statues of the source of influence - stronger source = more impact
What does immediacy mean in SIT.
How close the source is in time and space to the target , more immediate (physically or recent) = more impact
What does number mean in SIT?
How many sources there are trying to influence target
More people = more pressure to obey
However , psychosocial law - each additon has less effect
What is psychosocial law?
The first few sources of influence have greatest effect, each additional person adds less impact
What is the formula for social impact?
Impact = SxIxN
What is a ‘source’ and ‘target’ in SIT?
Source - person/group exerting social influence
Target- person or group being influenced
How does SIT explain obedience?
People obey when
- authority figure has high strength
- they are physically close
- large number of people supporting obedience
What real life events can SIT explain?
- obedience in Nazi germany
- group influence in riots or cults
- social media pressure
What is the division of impact in SIT
When there are more targets than sources, impact is divided across targets
If many people are being influenced , each less affected
Eg. 1 teacher vs 100 students = low impact per student
Three strengths of SIT
QUANTIFIABLE - Latane turned theory into formula , making it measurable SO scientific credibility - can make predictions , psychologists can manipulate S,I,N to see how they impact social behaviour, increasing scientific validity!!
SUPPORTING RESEARCH - milgram variations support it , obedience dropped from 65->20.5% when authority figure gave instructions over the phone supporting immediacy factor SO boots validity showing obedience levels influenced by proximity and perceived authority as SIT predicts
APPLIES TO REAL LIFE- can be used by business or NHS to market product or create campaigns , eg. Use strength by hiring celebs, immediacy through targeted ads and number by showing number of ppl using ads shows STI has real world value
Three weaknesses of SIT
OVERSIMPLIFIES- reduces obedience down to three factors , ignores individual differences eg. personality, past experiences which can affect whether someone obeys or conforms, some people disobey even under strong social pressure SO lacks psychological realism
DOESNT EXPLAIN WHY PEOPLE OBEY- only describes how people obey not why , more descriptive than explanatory doesn’t address internal processes like moral strain or agency like milgram AT
DOESNT EXPLAIN RESISTANCE - doesn’t explain situations where people resist large groups/strong authority figures SO SIT not always predict real life behaviour reducing ecological validity and generalisability
How does SIT apply to Milgrams study?
- experimenter had high strength (lab coat, Yale)
- he was physically close = high immediacy
- Only one source but impactful
- Obedience rates show how variables influenced participants
Which milgram variations support SIT?
Telephonic instructions 7 = low immediacy → obedience dropped
Ordinary man 13 = low strength → obedience dropped
What is the application of SIT in crowd control?
Police can reduce crowd behaviour by using high strength (uniform, authority) and maintaining closeness
Can SIT explain resistance to social influence?
Partially - if source has low strength/immediacy or the target is in a large group impact is reduced so more resistance BUT doesn’t explain why some resist strong influence
What is a limitation of the formula in SIT?
the formula is theoretical - human behaviour is too complex for fixed formula , lacks precision
Is SIT deterministic?
Yes - suggests behaviour is determined by external forces (SIN) , ignores other factors
How is SIT reductionist?
Reduces complex human behaviour (obedience) to just 3 variables (SIN)
Evidence against SIT - Hofling summary
investigated if nurses would obey instructions from doctor, even if went against hospital rules
Procedure:
confederate doctor telephoned 22 real nurses in natural hospital setting.
asked them to administer a fictional drug but labelled
dosage requested was twice max dose on the label
Nurses not supposed to take orders by phone or exceed dosage without proper authorisation.
Results:
21 out of 22 nurses (95%) began preparing the medication to administer it
