Evaluate social impact theory as an explanation of obedience. - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 2 - 2019 - Paper 1

Social impact theory provides a framework for understanding how and why individuals obey authority figures based on several key factors.

Key Factors of Social Impact Theory

Social impact theory suggests that obedience is influenced by the strength, immediacy, and number of social sources directing behavior towards a target individual.

1. Strength: The authority's perceived power can significantly affect compliance. Individuals are more likely to obey a figure that they view as powerful or credible.

2. Immediacy: This factor encompasses the physical presence of the authority figure. When the authority is closer to the individual, the likelihood of obedience increases.

3. Number of Sources: According to the theory, the greater the number of authoritative figures present, the more likely an individual is to conform to obedience due to the perceived consensus.

Predictions Made by the Theory

Social impact theory posits that as one moves further from authority figures, such as in scenarios involving numerous sources or emotional distance, the likelihood of obedience diminishes. It emphasizes that individuals will take into account the combined influence of these factors when deciding whether to obey.

Limitations of Social Impact Theory

However, social impact theory does not fully account for the psychological factors at play, such as individual differences in susceptibility to influence. It assumes a generalized response that may not apply uniformly across all individuals or situations.

Empirical Evidence

Research by Bassett and Latané (1976) demonstrated aspects of social impact theory wherein individuals assigned higher importance to fictitious events than real-life events, thus supporting the premise that psychological and situational factors can play significant roles in determining obedience.

Furthermore, studies by Milgram, Bickman, and Berkowitz (1969) showed how the proximity and authority of figures impacted obedience rates. In their experiments, they found that passers-by were less likely to obey when the authority figure was further away or less authoritative.

Conclusion

While social impact theory accounts for several important dynamics of obedience, it can be criticized for oversimplifying the process. Personal factors and the context of the situation can heavily influence an individual's decision to obey, suggesting that a more nuanced understanding of obedience is needed.