AO3

• A strength of locus of control (LoC) as a factor in resistance is that it is supported by research evidence.

  -For example, Holland (1967) replicated Milgram’s study and found that 37% of participants with an internal LoC resisted obedience, compared to only 23% with an external LoC.-This suggests that individuals with an internal LoC, who believe they control their own actions, are more likely to resist pressures to obey.-This supports the validity of LoC as a dispositional factor influencing resistance to social influence.
• A strength is that Albrecht et al. (2006) evaluated Teen Fresh Start USA, an eight-week programme to help pregnant adolescents aged 14-19 resist peer pressure to smoke

  -Social support was provided by a slightly older mentor or ‘buddy’. At the end of the programme, adolescents who had a ‘buddy’ were significantly less likely to smoke than a control group of ppts who did not have a ‘buddy’.

  -provides real life evidence for social support
• A weakness is that Rotter (1982) points out that LOC only comes into play in novel situations.

  -It has very little influence over our behaviour in familiar situations where our previous experiences will always be more important.

  -this shows that the resistance to social influence may be rooted in previous experience and therefore will not be the same for everyone
• A weakness is that Twenge et al. (2004) analysed data from American locus of control studies over a 40-year period

  -The data showed that, over this time span, people have become more resistant to obedience but also more external. If resistance were linked to internal locus of control, we would expect people to have become more internal. 
• Allen and Levine (1971) tested the importance of validity using an Asch type task with 3 conditions:

  - No support – ppt conformed to majority influence

  -Poor quality (invalid) social support – supporter had poor eyesight

  -Good quality (valid) social support – supporter had normal eyesight (64% of ppts resisted-the most).
• This suggests that social support

  -is only effective when it comes from someone who does not have an impaired perspective