Resistance to Social Influence (Social Influence Model Answers) (Paper 1 Model Answers)
Read the item and then answer the question that follows.
Two psychology students were discussing the topic of social influence.
‘I find it fascinating how some people are able to resist social influence’, said Jack.
‘It must be the result of having a confident personality.’
‘I disagree’, replied Sarah. ‘I think resisting social influence depends much more on the presence of others.’
Discuss two explanations of resistance to social influence. As part of your discussion, refer to the views expressed by Jack and Sarah in the conversation above.
(Total 16 marks)
Model Answer
Jack's view that resistance to social influence is a result of having a confident personality can be explored through the concept of locus of control. Research by Rotter (1966) suggests that individuals with an internal locus of control, who believe they have control over their own circumstances, are more likely to resist pressure to conform and less likely to obey authority figures. This is because individuals with an internal locus of control are less concerned with seeking social approval and are more motivated by their own beliefs and values. For example, in variations of Asch's conformity experiments, individuals with an internal locus of control may be more likely to give independent answers even in the face of majority pressure. This highlights the influence of individual characteristics in resisting social influence.
Sarah's perspective that resisting social influence depends on the presence of others can be understood through the concept of social support. When individuals observe others defying or not conforming to social influence, it provides them with the confidence to do the same. This can be seen in variations of Milgram's obedience experiments, where the presence of disobedient role models or having an ally who refuses to obey increases resistance to authority. These forms of social support break the unanimity of the group in conformity situations and challenge the legitimacy of the authority figure. For instance, when participants see another person refusing to administer electric shocks in the Milgram experiments, they are more likely to resist the authority's commands themselves. This demonstrates the impact of social support in encouraging defiance and non-conformity.
One issue with the Locus of Control argument is the focus on individual characteristics may overlook the powerful impact of situational factors and social norms on behaviour. While individuals with an internal locus of control may be more likely to resist conformity or obedience, the strength of the social pressure and the salience of group norms cannot be ignored. Therefore, while the locus of control explanation provides valuable insights, it should be considered alongside other contextual and situational factors to offer a comprehensive understanding of resistance to social influence.
As well as this, the social support explanation offers a compelling account of resistance to social influence, but it is important to critically evaluate its limitations. One limitation is the contextual dependence of social support. While the presence of others who resist conformity or disobedience can bolster an individual's confidence to do the same, the effectiveness of social support may vary depending on the specific situation and the credibility of those providing support. For example, if the disobedient role models or allies are seen as deviant or lacking authority, their influence may be diminished. Furthermore, social support may not always be readily available or accessible in real-world situations, limiting its generalisability. Additionally, the social support explanation does not fully address the role of individual differences in susceptibility to social influence. Not all individuals may respond equally to social support, and factors such as personality traits or cultural influences can interact with the effects of social support. Therefore, while social support is an important factor in resistance to social influence, its effectiveness and applicability need to be considered within the specific social and psychological contexts of the situation.
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