Clever Grades

🎧 Read Aloud

Resistance to Social Influence Mechanisms

The Social Support Buffer

What is Social Support?

Social support refers to the presence of others who resist conforming or obeying an authority figure and provide encouragement for an individual to do the same. It is one of the most effective explanations for resistance to social influence.

Thus, social support alters both normative and informational social influence by reducing the pressure and uncertainty that lead to conformity or obedience.

Key Mechanisms of Resistance

The presence of a dissenter serves as a powerful model, significantly reducing the pressure to comply, whether in conformity or obedience scenarios.

1

Conformity Research

The presence of even one dissenter dramatically reduces conformity rates. This dissenter breaks the unanimity of the majority.
2

Validation & Confidence

Social support offers validation and reduces the fear of rejection or ridicule because the individual is no longer isolated.
3

Obedience Studies

Individuals who witness others disobeying an authority figure are more likely to resist themselves.
4

Vicarious Reinforcement

This effect is seen as a form of vicarious reinforcement, where observing resistance increases one’s own likelihood to resist.

Locus of Control (LOC) Definitions

LOC is a personality concept introduced by Rotter that refers to an individual’s belief about the causes of events in their life.

👤

Internal LOC

Believes that they control their own life and outcomes through their actions, decisions, and abilities.
🎲

External LOC

Believes their outcomes are determined by luck, fate, or powerful others.

LOC and Resistance Dynamics

✅
The Internal Resistance These individuals are more likely to resist conformity and obedience because they take responsibility for their choices and feel capable of independent action.
❌
The External Vulnerability Such individuals are more susceptible to social influence because they feel less control over their own lives.

Research shows that people with an internal LOC are more confident in their personal beliefs and better able to withstand social pressure, making them more resistant to conformity and obedience.

Social Support as a Buffer Against Social Influence
Q
What is social support in social influence?

What is social support in social influence?

A
Answer

The presence of others who resist conformity or obedience, encouraging an individual to do the same.

Q
How does one dissenter affect conformity rates?

How does one dissenter affect conformity rates?

A
Answer

It dramatically reduces conformity by breaking group unanimity and increasing individual confidence.

Q
Why does social support reduce fear of rejection?

Why does social support reduce fear of rejection?

A
Answer

It offers validation, making the individual feel less isolated and more secure.

Q
What is vicarious reinforcement in obedience studies?

What is vicarious reinforcement in obedience studies?

A
Answer

Observing others disobeying authority increases one’s own likelihood to resist.

Q
How does social support influence normative and informational social influence?

How does social support influence normative and informational social influence?

A
Answer

It reduces pressure and uncertainty, decreasing conformity and obedience.

Q
What is locus of control (LOC)?

What is locus of control (LOC)?

A
Answer

A personality belief about the causes of life events, whether internal or external.

Q
How does an internal LOC relate to resistance to social influence?

How does an internal LOC relate to resistance to social influence?

A
Answer

People with internal LOC believe they control their life, making them more likely to resist social pressure.

Q
How does an external LOC affect susceptibility to social influence?

How does an external LOC affect susceptibility to social influence?

A
Answer

Belief in fate or powerful others increases conformity and obedience.

Q
Why do internal LOC individuals resist social influence better?

Why do internal LOC individuals resist social influence better?

A
Answer

They have more confidence in their personal beliefs and feel responsible for their actions.

Q
What does the concept of locus of control explain in social influence?

What does the concept of locus of control explain in social influence?

A
Answer

Individual differences in resistance to conformity and obedience based on personality.

Tip: Tap a card to flip. Shuffle or Reset anytime.

🌸 Social Support as a Buffer Against Social Influence Quiz

1. What effect does the presence of a single dissenter have on conformity?

A dissenter breaks group unanimity, making it easier for individuals to resist conforming.

2. Which of the following best defines vicarious reinforcement in obedience studies?

Seeing others disobey empowers individuals to challenge authority themselves.

3. True or False: Social support increases fear of rejection, raising conformity levels.

Social support reduces fear of rejection by providing validation and decreasing isolation.

4. Which personality factor is strongly linked to greater resistance to social influence?

People with internal LOC believe they control their lives, boosting confidence against social pressure.

5. Social support influences resistance by altering which social influences?

Social support reduces pressure (normative) and uncertainty (informational), leading to less conformity and obedience.

📊 Results

  • Notes and Quiz
  • Psychology
  • AS & A Level
  • Attachment
  • AQA