A teacher asked her class for a volunteer to talk to future A-level students. The teacher asked Sarah first, but she refused. The teacher then asked Emily to help. Use your knowledge of resistance to social influence to explain Emily’s likely response to

Emily is more likely to refuse the teacher’s request because Sarah’s refusal provides social support, showing that resistance is possible. Sarah acts as a role model, which may make Emily feel more confident in making her own decision. This reduces the pressure to obey and increases the likelihood that Emily will also resist.