The role of social support in resisting social influence

Social support plays a significant role in helping individuals resist pressure to conform or obey authority. Having others who share similar views or who also resist can make it easier for a person to stand against social influence.

How social support encourages resistance

• Presence of allies - Research from Milgram's studies shows that participants were more likely to resist orders if others present also refused to obey. This suggests people find it easier to stand up to authority with support from others.
• Support in conformity studies - Asch's research indicates that participants were more likely to resist conformity pressure if one of the confederates agreed with them.
• Dependence on others - This behavior isn't truly independent since it depends on having someone else there to agree with you.

The impact of personality traits on independent behaviour

Personality characteristics can significantly affect how much someone resists social influence. One key trait is the sense of personal control over life events, which varies between individuals and influences their likelihood of showing independent behaviour.

Personality as a dispositional factor

Individuals who believe they have control over their circumstances are generally more resistant to social pressures. This dispositional explanation focuses on inherent traits rather than situational factors.

The concept of locus of control and its influence on resistance

Locus of control is a psychological concept that describes how much individuals believe they can influence events in their lives. Developed by Rotter in 1966, it categorises people based on whether they attribute outcomes to their own actions or to external forces.

Understanding locus of control

• Internal locus of control - Individuals with an internal locus believe that outcomes in their life are primarily due to their own decisions and efforts. For example, success in an exam might be attributed to thorough preparation and hard work. These individuals are less likely to conform or obey authority.
• External locus of control - Those with an external locus believe that life events are largely determined by outside factors such as luck or the actions of others. For instance, they might attribute exam success to easy questions or a generous marker. Such individuals are more prone to conformity and obedience.
• Impact on behaviour - People with an internal locus of control tend to exhibit stronger resistance to social influence due to their belief in personal agency, while those with an external locus are more likely to yield to external pressures.

Rotter created a questionnaire to measure locus of control, using paired statements where respondents choose the one that aligns with their beliefs.