A01

• Social support from non-conforming individuals can alleviate the pressure to conform, as demonstrated by Asch's research. The dissenting presence of a confederate empowers participants to follow their conscience, breaking the unanimity of the majority and encouraging independent behaviour.

  Similarly, disobedient models can reduce obedience to authority. In Milgram's study, the introduction of a disobedient confederate decreased obedience rates significantly to 10%, acting as a model for dissent and challenging the legitimacy of authority figures.
• Rotter's concept of locus of control (LOC) distinguishes between individuals with internal and external control beliefs. Those with high internal LOC, attributing events to their own actions, tend to resist social pressures more effectively, relying on personal beliefs rather than external influences. On the other hand, those with high external LOC attribute events to external factors, making them more susceptible to conformity and obedience.
• High internal LOC individuals exhibit traits such as self-confidence, achievement orientation, and higher intelligence, which contribute to their resistance to social influence. These characteristics align with leadership qualities, suggesting leaders are less reliant on social approval than followers.