RESISTANCE & CHANGE

• What are the key explanations of resistance to social influence mentioned in the notes?

  Social support and locus of control
• How does social support help individuals resist conformity?

  It provides an ally who breaks the unanimity of the majority
• What was the main finding of Asch's (1951) study regarding social support?

  A dissenter reduced conformity rates from 37% to 5%
• What does the presence of a dissenter raise the possibility of?

  Other legitimate ways of thinking or responding
• How does social support relate to the diffusion of responsibility?

  More dissenters lead to a perception of less severe consequences
• What was the outcome of Milgram's variation with three teachers?

  Only 10% of participants continued to the maximum shock level
• What did Allen and Levine (1971) find about valid social support?

  Valid social support has a greater impact on reducing conformity
• What is a limitation of conformity studies mentioned in the notes?

  They often involve insignificant tasks that threaten internal validity
• What is the distinction between quantity and quality of social support?

  Quality of social support is more important than quantity
• What does locus of control refer to?

  A person's perception of personal control over their own behavior
• How do high internals perceive their behavior?

  As a product of their own ability and effort
• What characteristics do high internals possess according to the notes?

  They actively seek useful information and are more achievement-oriented
• How do high externals perceive their behavior?

  As caused by external influences or luck
• What did Oliner and Oliner (1988) find regarding locus of control?

  High internal locus of control is linked to resisting pressure to conform
• What is a limitation of the Oliner study mentioned in the notes?

  It lacks control over extraneous variables
• What did Holland (1967) find regarding locus of control and obedience?

  37% of internals refused to obey compared to 23% of externals
• What did Williams et al. (1981) suggest about conformity and locus of control?

  Assertiveness may be more important than locus of control
• What is minority influence?

  A form of social influence where individuals change their attitudes and beliefs due to minority opinion
• What did Moscovici suggest about minority influence?

  It tends to be due to conversion (internalisation) rather than compliance
• What are the key behavioral styles minorities must adopt for effective influence?

  Consistency, commitment, and flexibility
• What was the main finding of Moscovici's 1969 study?

  Minorities can influence the majority, with 32% agreeing at least once
• What is the significance of consistency in minority influence?

  It causes others to reassess the situation and consider the issue more carefully
• What is the difference between diachronic and synchronic consistency?

  Diachronic is consistency over time, synchronic is consistency among group members
• Why is commitment important for minority influence?

  It suggests certainty and confidence, making it harder to dismiss the minority
• What is the balance minorities must strike in their approach?

  Between flexibility and consistency
• What are the key factors that contribute to resistance to social influence?

  • Social support
  • Locus of control
• What are the characteristics of high internals in relation to social influence?

  • Perceive personal control over behavior
  • Seek useful information actively
  • More achievement-oriented
  • Less need for social approval
• What are the three key behavioral styles minorities must adopt for effective influence?

  • Consistency
  • Commitment
  • Flexibility
• What are the implications of Moscovici's findings on minority influence?

  • Minorities can influence majorities
  • Consistency is crucial for effectiveness
  • Internalisation is more impactful than compliance
• What is the significance of social support in resisting conformity?

  • Breaks the unanimity of the majority
  • Provides an independent assessment of reality
  • Reduces feelings of isolation
• What are the limitations of research into social support and conformity?

  • Insignificant tasks threaten internal validity
  • Lack of consideration for quality of social support
  • Research often involves only one or two stooges
• How does locus of control affect resistance to social influence?

  • High internals are more resistant to conformity and obedience
  • High externals are less resistant due to perceived external influences
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Oliner study on locus of control?

  Strengths:

  • High ecological validity

  Weaknesses:

  • Lack of control over extraneous variables
  • Retrospective nature of the study
• What is the role of commitment in minority influence?

  • Demonstrates certainty and confidence
  • Makes it difficult for the majority to dismiss the minority
  • Often involves personal or material sacrifice
• What is the balance required for effective minority influence?

  • Balance between flexibility and consistency
  • Too rigid risks being dogmatic
  • Too flexible risks being inconsistent
• What is the importance of flexibility in minority influence?

  Flexibility allows minorities to negotiate their position without being seen as rigid or dogmatic.
• What did Moscovici's 1969 study demonstrate about minority influence?

  Moscovici's study showed that minorities can influence the majority through consistency.
• In Moscovici's study, what color did the confederates consistently claim the blue slides were?

  Green
• What percentage of trials did participants agree with the minority in Moscovici's study?

  1. 42%
• What happens to the influence of a minority when they are inconsistent, according to Moscovici's findings?

  The influence of the minority sharply decreases to 1% when they are inconsistent.