resistance to social influence

what is social support?

the perception that a person has assistance available from other people within the group

what does social support do to resistors?

this makes them better able to remain independent in situations where they would be expected to conform or obey

why does social support help resistors to social influence?

it enables individuals to resist pressures to conform because it breaks the unanimity of the majority

what do disobedient peers do to resistors?

they act as role models on which a person can base their own behaviour, eg. resisting an order from an authority figure

what is locus of control?

a person's perception of personal control of their own behaviour

what do people with a strong LOC believe?

they believe what happens to them is a result of their own ability and effort rather than the influence of others

are people with strong LOC vulnerable to social influence?

internals are less likely to rely on the opinions of others, this makes them less vulnerable to social influence

what do people with strong external LOC believe?

believe what happens to them is determined by external factors, such as the influence of others or luck and so are less likely to display independent behaviour.