Resistance to Social Influence

• Why do some people resist conformity and obedience?


  They have a high internal locus of control.
• What is Locus of Control?


  Refers to a persons perception of personal control over their behaviour.
• What are the characteristics of Internal Locus of Control?


  High levels of personal control over their lives and behaviour. Take personal responsibility for it. 'I made it happen'
• What are the characteristics of External Locus of Control?


  The belief that life is determined by external/environmental factors such as luck. 'Wrong place, wrong time'
• How does Internal Locus of Control relate to Social Influence?


  High internals actively seek out information which will help them personally and are less likely to rely on others. They are more achievement orientated. They can resist pressure from others.
• How does External Locus of Control relate to Social Influence?


  High externals are more likely to be influenced by others as they don't believe they exercise personal control over their lives.
• Social Support in Asch study?


  The person not conforming doesn’t have to be giving the right answer, but simply the fact that they are not following the majority enables a person to be free to follow their own conscience. The other person acts as a model.
• Social Support in Milgram’s study?

  when the genuine participant is joined by disobedient confederate, rates of obedience dropped from 65% to 10%.