Resistance to social influence

• What is the concept of social support in resisting conformity?

  Social support is when another person does not conform, enabling the naïve participant to follow their own conscience.
• How does the presence of a non-conforming confederate affect conformity?

  The presence of a non-conforming confederate provides social support, allowing the naïve participant to dissent.
• What effect does dissent from a confederate have on the majority's behavior?

  Dissent from a confederate can lead to more dissent among participants, indicating that the majority is not unanimous.
• What is the effect of having a disobedient person present in a situation of obedience?

  The presence of a disobedient person can reduce the rate of obedience significantly.
• How did Milgram's variation demonstrate the impact of a disobedient confederate on obedience rates?

  In Milgram's variation, obedience dropped from 65% to 10% when a disobedient confederate was present.
• What does the locus of control (LOC) concept refer to?

  Locus of control refers to the degree to which individuals believe they have control over events in their lives.
• What distinguishes internal locus of control from external locus of control?

  Internals believe they control their own outcomes, while externals believe outcomes are determined by external factors.
• How does locus of control relate to resistance to social influence?

  Individuals with a high internal locus of control are more likely to resist pressures to conform or obey.
• What are the characteristics of individuals with a high internal locus of control?

  • Take personal responsibility for their actions
  • Base decisions on their own beliefs
  • Tend to be more self-confident
  • More achievement-oriented
  • Have higher intelligence
• What was the purpose of the Teen Fresh Start USA program evaluated by Susan Albrecht et al.?

  The program aimed to help pregnant adolescents resist peer pressure to smoke.
• What was the outcome of the Teen Fresh Start USA program regarding social support?

  Adolescents with a 'buddy' were significantly less likely to smoke than those without.
• How did William Gamson et al.'s study differ from Milgram's in terms of resistance to authority?

  Gamson's study found higher levels of resistance because participants could discuss their actions in groups.
• What did Vernon Allen and John Levine's study reveal about social support?

  The study showed that social support can help individuals resist group influence.
• What was the effect of having a dissenter with good eyesight in an Asch-type task?

  64% of genuine participants refused to conform when the dissenter had good eyesight.
• What does the study by Vernon Allen and John Levine suggest about the validity of social support in resisting social influence?

  The study suggests that social support can significantly aid in resisting social influence, but effectiveness may vary based on the dissenter's characteristics.
• What did Charles Holland's study find regarding locus of control and resistance to obedience?

  Holland found that 37% of internals did not continue to the highest shock level, compared to 23% of externals.
• What does Jean Twenge et al.'s research suggest about the relationship between locus of control and resistance over time?

  The research suggests that while people became more resistant to obedience, they also became more external, challenging the link between internal LOC and resistance.
• What are the strengths and limitations of the locus of control explanation in resisting social influence?

  Strengths:

  • Research evidence supports the link between LOC and resistance.
  • Internals show greater resistance in obedience studies.

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Contradictory evidence shows increasing externality with greater resistance.
  • Suggests LOC may not fully explain resistance to social influence.