Explanation of Resistance to Social Influence

What are the two key explanations of resistance to social influence ?

1) Social support.

2) Locus of control

What is Social support?

The presence of others who resist pressure to conform or obey and that can help others do the same e.g dissenter. These people act as a model or ally to show others resistance is possible and influence their behaviour

E.g Dissenter in Asch’s study or two fellow disobedient teachers in Milgram’s

Evidence to support Social support as explanation of resistance

Asch 1951 - Conformity rates drop from 32% (baseline) to 9% (dissenter disagrees with BOTH group and PPT) and 5.5% with a dissenter (breaks unanimity, agrees with PPT)

Social support from dissenter reduces conformity - act as model and alternative source of info

Milgram 1963 - Obedience dropped to 10% (full 450v) when there were 2 disobedient confederate teachers - Models of disobedience

What is Locus of Control?

Rotter (1966) - the extent to which a person believes they have control (their own agency) over events that happen in their lives or whether outside influence does

Measured on a scale from Internal (They feel in control) vs External (others have control)

What is the difference between an Internal and External Locus of Control?

Where they place responsibility, whether they feel in control or feel others have the control

Internal - believe they are in control , what happens to them is a consequence of their own action and take full responsibility. More resistant to SI

External - what happens to them is controlled by outside factors and other people. Believe more in luck/fate, blaming others. More vulnerable to SI

Strength of LOC as explanation of resistance to social influence

Holland (1967)

D - Replication of Milgram

F- PPTs with internal LOC more likely to disobey, refuse to continue to max 450V shock (37%)

Compared to externals (23%)

S - Shows internal LOC more likely to resist pressure to obey

Supports validity of explanation of resistance to SI