Resistance to social influence

• What does resistance to social influence refer to?

  Ability to withstand social pressure
• What factors influence the ability to resist social influence?

  Situational and dispositional factors
• What is social support?

  Presence of others resisting conformity or obedience
• How does social support help individuals resist conformity?

  Reduces pressure to conform by providing models
• In Asch's study, what effect did a truthful partner have on conformity rates?

  Conformity dropped to 5%
• How does social support affect obedience?

  Reduces pressure to obey by showing disobedience
• What was the obedience rate when a participant was joined by a disobedient confederate in Milgram's study?

  Obedience dropped to 10%
• What is the role of social support in resisting social influence?

  • Acts as a model for resistance
  • Reduces pressure to conform or obey
  • Encourages individuals to follow their beliefs
• What did Albrecht et al (2006) study regarding social support?

  Impact on pregnant teenagers resisting smoking
• What was the outcome of Albrecht et al's study?

  Teenagers with buddies smoked less
• What does locus of control refer to?

  Beliefs about what controls events in life
• What do individuals with an internal locus of control believe?

  They are responsible for their own outcomes
• How do individuals with an external locus of control view events?

  Controlled by external factors and luck
• What did Holland (1967) find regarding locus of control and obedience?

  37% of internals resisted highest shock level
• What does Twenge et al (2004) suggest about locus of control over time?

  People became more external but more resistant
• What is a limitation of the locus of control theory according to Rotter (1982)?

  Locus of control is less influential in familiar situations
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the locus of control theory?

  Strengths:

  • Supported by research evidence (Holland)
  • Explains individual differences in resistance

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Contradictory research (Twenge et al)
  • Limited role in familiar situations