1.3.1 Social Support & Locus of Control

Locus of control - Dispositional factor

Refers to how much control a person feels they have over their own behaviour. A person can either have an internal locus of control or an external locus of control.

There is a continuum, with most people lying in between.

People with a high internal locus of control perceive themselves as having a lot of personal control over their behaviour and are therefore more likely to take responsibility for the way they behave.

People with a high external locus of control see their behaviours as being a result of external influences or luck e.g., "I did well on the test because it was easy".

Research has shown that people with an internal locus of control tend to be less conforming and less obedient.

Social support - Situational factor

The presence of other people who resist pressure to conform or obey can help others to do the same. These people act as models to show others that resistance to social influence is possible.

Why does social support affect social influence?

• It works because it breaks the unanimous position of the majority
• Less likely to fear being ridiculed - someone is on your side
• It gives us the confidence to resist obeying
• Disobedient peers act as role models for our own behaviour

Evaluation: