1a. Resistance to social influence

What is resistance to social influence?

Resistance to social influence= Refers to the ability of people to withstand the social pressure to conform to the majority or to obey authority. This ability to withstand social pressure is infl uenced by both situational and dispositional factors.

What is social support?

Social support= a situation explanation where the presence of people who resist pressures to conform or obey can help others to do the same. These people act as models to show others that resistance to social influence is possible.

Which Asch variation provides evidence for social support and how?

The ‘unanimity’ variation that introduced a dissenting confederate resulted in a lower conformity rate as the ppt felt they had social support, even when they gave incorrect answers (5.5% when correct and 9% when incorrect). Their dissent gives rise to more dissent because it shows that the majority is no longer unanimous.

Which Milgram variation provides evidence for social support and how?

The ‘presence of allies’ variation introduced 2 other “teachers” who were confederates. When the other 2 “teachers” refused to continue, the actual ppt was much less likely to obey (10% obedience rate). The disobedient model challenges the legitimacy of the authority figure, making it easier for others to disobey

What is locus of control (LOC)?

Locus of control (LOC)= a dispositional reason for resistance to social influence, LOC refers to a person’s perception of personal contril over their behaviour, ranging from internal to external.

What do people with mostly internal loci believe?

People with mostly internal loci believe that what happens to them is a consequence of their own ability and effort. They are usually active seekers of information, more achievement oriented, more likely to be leaders and less likely to respond to social influence

What do people with mostly external loci believe?

People with mostly external loci believe that what happens to them is due to external factors like luck or the influence of others. They are more likely to rely on the opinions of others, more fatalistic, more passive and less likely to accept personal responsibility for their actions; making them more susceptible to social influence.