Resistance

• Resistance to social influence: Refers to the ability of people to withstand the pressure to conform to the majority. This is influenced by both situational and dispositional factors.
• Social support: If other people are also resisting conformity or obedience than it makes it easier for others to do the same, they show that social resistance is possible.
• Locus of control (Rotter): Refers to the sense we each have about what directs events in our lives. Internals believe that they are in control of what happens to them, externals believe that it is just a matter of luck. This is a scale and people can be both.
• Resistance to social influence: People with higher internal LOC are more likely to resist conformity or authority. They take personal responsibility for their actions.
• Evaluation: Social support (strength)-

  Research support: Albrecht evaluated a real life eight week programme to stop young people from smoking. Those who had a buddy were less likely to smoke than those without. Shows how social support can help young people.
• Evaluation: Social support (strength)-

  Research support for dissenting peers: Gamson et al found more resistance from the participants for his study as they were in groups so they could discuss the task. Shows peer support can lead to disobedience.
• Evaluation: LOC (strength)-

  Research support: Holland repeated Milgram's experiment but also measured if the participants were internals or externals. Internals showed greater resistance than externals. Shows that LOC and obedience is related.
• Evaluation: LOC (limitation)-

  Contradictory research: Twenge analysed data from LOC studies and found even though people were becoming more external they were also becoming less obedient. Suggests that a LOC isn't what links to resistance to social influence.