Resistance to social influence

How does social support help someone resist conformity?

The presence of a non-conforming person (a dissenter) breaks the unanimous majority, providing a model of independent behavior and freeing the individual to follow their own conscience.

How does social support help someone resist obedience?

The presence of a disobedient person acts as a model of dissent, challenges the legitimacy of the authority figure, and makes it easier for others to also disobey.

What real-world research supports the role of social support in resistance?

Albrecht et al. (2006): Pregnant teens with a mentor 'buddy' were significantly more successful at resisting peer pressure to smoke than those without one.

How did Gamson et al.'s (1982) study support the role of social support in resisting obedience?

88% of groups rebelled against orders to help a smear campaign. Being in a group provided peer support to discuss and challenge the authority's legitimacy.

What did Allen and Levine's (1971) study reveal about the effectiveness of a dissenter?

A dissenter with good eyesight increased resistance to 64%, but a dissenter with poor eyesight (thick glasses) only increased it to 36%, showing the perceived competence of the dissenter affects their impact.

What is an internal locus of control?

The belief that what happens to you is controlled by your own actions and efforts (e.g., success is due to hard work).

What is an external locus of control?

The belief that what happens to you is due to external forces like luck, fate, or other people (e.g., failure is due to bad luck).

Who is more likely to resist social influence, someone with an internal or external LOC?

Someone with an internal LOC. They take personal responsibility, base decisions on their own beliefs, and are typically more self-confident.

What research finding supports the link between an internal LOC and resistance to obedience?

Holland (1967): 37% of internals resisted in a Milgram-type study, compared to only 23% of externals.

What contradictory evidence challenges the LOC explanation for resistance?

Twenge et al. (2004): Over 40 years, Americans became more resistant to obedience but also more external. This contradicts the theory, as resistance should be linked to becoming more internal