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Explanations of resistance to social influence 16 marks
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AQA psychology 16 mark essay
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Outline and evaluate explanations of resistance to social influence (16 marks)Ao1: Social support
Pressure of conformity can be reduced if there are other ppl present who are not conforming
- bcos they break the unanimity of the group's consensus enabling a person to be free to
follow their own conscience. The 'ally' or 'dissenter' acts as a role model for independent
behaviour. Asch's dissenter variations show this, as conformity rates dropped from 37% to
5.5%. When someone does not follow the majority, ppl feel able to follow their beliefs and
are more free from group pressure.
If there is another person present who is seen to disobey, the ppt feels free to act from their
own conscience. Their social support gives the individual confidence and courage to resist
the authority figure's orders. Milgram's unanimity variation shows this, as obedience rates
dropped from 65% to 10%. If another person disobeys, the ppts feel free to act from their
own conscience. The disobedient ppt acts as a 'model' for independent behaviour.
Ao3: Social support
Allen and Levine's (1971) research supports the role of dissenting peers in resisting
conformity. In their variation of Asch's study, in condition 1 the ally had bad eyesight and
wore thick glasses, condition 2 the ally has normal vision, condition 3 has no ally - conformity
dropped significantly in condition 1 and 2 compared to 3. This supports the view that
resistance is not just motivated by following what someone else says, but it enables
someone to be free from group pressure.
Mullen et al. (1990) found that when disobedient models broke the law by jay-walking, ppts
were more likely to jay-walk themselves (i.e. be disobedient too) compared to when the
models weren't present. This supports the idea that disobedient models increase resistance
to social influence.
Ao1: Locus of control
Locus of control is how much a person believes that they have control over the events that
happen in their lives. Usually measures along a scale with internal at one end and external
control on the other.
Those with a strong internal LOC perceive themselves as having a great deal of personal
control (self efficacy) over their circumstances and tend to believe that what happens to
them, is a consequence of their own ability and effort. They are more likely to display
independent behaviour, be more confident, rely less on opinions of others and so be less
vulnerable to social influence. Less likely to seek social approval and resist group pressure.
Individuals with a strong external LOC perceive their behaviour as being caused more by
external influences. They are less likely to take responsibility for their own actions and shift
the blame on external factors and are less immune to social influence. They are more likely
to seek social approval from others so find it hard to resist group pressure and see
themselves as followers more than leaders and are hence more vulnerable to social
influence.
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