Resistance A03

• Allen and Levine


  Replicated the Asch experiment and introduced a dissenting confederate wearing thick rimmed glasses thus suggesting he was slightly visually impaired.
• Results of Allen and Levine test

  Even with this seemingly incompetent dissenter conformity dropped from 97% to 64%. Clearly the presence of an ally decreases conformity.
• Gamson et al


  Replicated Ms experiment and focus of exp was to produce evidence that would help oil company run a smear campaign.
• Results of Gamson experiment

  Found higher levels of resistance in their study than M. In Gamson's exp, ppts were in groups and 29/33 groups of ppts where 88% rebelled. Peer support linked to greater resistance.
• Holland


  Repeated Ms study and measured whether ppts were external/internal
• Results of Holland experiment

  37% of internals did not continue to top of voltage. Only 23% of externals did not continue. Internals showed greater resistance= increases validity of LOC explanation
• Twenge et al

  Analysed data from American locus of control studies over a 40 year period. Overtime, people became more resistant obedience but also, more external people.
• Challenges LOC

  Challenges link between high internal LOC and increasing resistant behaviour. This may be because of a changing society where many things are out of personal control.
• Rotter

  Points out that LOC only comes out to play in novel situations; has little influence over our behaviour in familiar situations where our previous experiences will always be more important. This point is overlooked. People who conformed once, will conform again.