AO3 - LOC

• Holland (1967) replicated Milgram's study

  • Px were assessed for internal or external locus of control
  • 37% of those with an internal LOC refused to continue to the highest shock level, compared to 23% of those with an external LOC
  • This suggests those with a high internal LOC are more able to resist pressure to obey
  • HOWEVER 63% (the majority) of those with an internal LOC still obeyed suggesting LOC is only a partial explanation of resistance to SI
• Spector (1983) 157 undergraduate participants completed a questionnaire that measured locus of control and a questionnaire that measured the tendency to conform to normative and informational social influence pressure.

  • There was a statistically significant correlation with internal LOC participants being more able to resist NSI
  • However they were just as likely as externals to conform to ISI, suggesting both externals and internals look to others for correct information so LOC does influence conformity, but it is not a complete explanation
• (-) Other factors are involved in resistance to social influence

  • The relationship between LOC and resistance to social influence is only correlational
  • Examples of other related factors: level of social anxiety, sense of personal morality
  • e.g. individuals who see an action as morally wrong are likely to resist regardless of social pressures
  • e.g. individuals with higher social status may feel more empowered to resist social pressure