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Theodora Li
10/13/2025
Psychology
Resistance to social influence
750
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Oct 13, 2025
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Resistance to Social Influence Examples for A Level Psychology
Resistance to Social Influence: Key Factors and Evaluation
Resistance to social influence is a critical topic in psychology, particularly relevant for students studying A-level Psychology. This page explores two main factors that contribute to an individual's ability to resist social pressures: social support and locus of control.
Social Support in Resisting Conformity and Obedience
Social support plays a crucial role in helping individuals resist conformity and obedience pressures.
Definition: Social support refers to the presence of another person who does not conform to the majority or obey authority, providing a model of independent behavior.
In conformity situations:
- The presence of a non-conforming individual enables others to resist pressure to conform.
- This was demonstrated in Asch's research, where a dissenting confederate significantly reduced conformity rates.
In obedience scenarios:
- A disobedient person can help others resist pressure to obey authority.
- Milgram's variations showed that obedience rates dropped from 65% to 10% when a genuine participant was joined by a disobedient confederate.
Example: The Teen Fresh Start USA program, evaluated by Albrecht et al. (2006), demonstrated how social support from slightly older mentors helped pregnant adolescents resist peer pressure to smoke.
Locus of Control and Resistance to Social Influence
Locus of control (LOC), a concept proposed by Rotter (1966), is another significant factor in resistance to social influence.
Definition: Locus of control refers to the extent to which individuals believe they have control over events in their lives.
- Internal LOC: People believe they largely control their own lives.
- External LOC: People believe external factors control their lives.
Highlight: Individuals with high internal LOC are generally more able to resist pressures to conform or obey, as they take responsibility for their actions and base decisions on their own beliefs rather than others' opinions.
Evaluation of Resistance to Social Influence Theories
-
Research Support:
- Gamson et al. (1982) showed that peer support led to higher levels of resistance against authority.
- Holland found that individuals with internal LOC were more likely to resist obedience in a Milgram-style experiment.
-
Contradictory Findings:
- Twenge et al. (2004) found that over 40 years, people became more resistant to obedience but also more external in their LOC, challenging the straightforward link between internal LOC and resistance.
-
Limitations:
- The role of LOC may be limited to new situations, as familiar scenarios are more influenced by previous responses.
Evaluation: While social support and locus of control provide valuable insights into resistance to social influence, research suggests that their effects may be context-dependent and not universally applicable.
This comprehensive overview of resistance to social influence highlights the complexity of the topic and the need for nuanced understanding in A-level Psychology studies.
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Brad T
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Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
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Marco B
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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
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This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Resistance to Social Influence Examples for A Level Psychology
Resistance to social influence is a crucial concept in psychology, focusing on how individuals can resist conformity and obedience pressures. This summary explores key factors like social support and locus of control, which play significant roles in enabling resistance to... Show more
Resistance to Social Influence: Key Factors and Evaluation
Resistance to social influence is a critical topic in psychology, particularly relevant for students studying A-level Psychology. This page explores two main factors that contribute to an individual's ability to resist social pressures: social support and locus of control.
Social Support in Resisting Conformity and Obedience
Social support plays a crucial role in helping individuals resist conformity and obedience pressures.
Definition: Social support refers to the presence of another person who does not conform to the majority or obey authority, providing a model of independent behavior.
In conformity situations:
- The presence of a non-conforming individual enables others to resist pressure to conform.
- This was demonstrated in Asch's research, where a dissenting confederate significantly reduced conformity rates.
In obedience scenarios:
- A disobedient person can help others resist pressure to obey authority.
- Milgram's variations showed that obedience rates dropped from 65% to 10% when a genuine participant was joined by a disobedient confederate.
Example: The Teen Fresh Start USA program, evaluated by Albrecht et al. (2006), demonstrated how social support from slightly older mentors helped pregnant adolescents resist peer pressure to smoke.
Locus of Control and Resistance to Social Influence
Locus of control (LOC), a concept proposed by Rotter (1966), is another significant factor in resistance to social influence.
Definition: Locus of control refers to the extent to which individuals believe they have control over events in their lives.
- Internal LOC: People believe they largely control their own lives.
- External LOC: People believe external factors control their lives.
Highlight: Individuals with high internal LOC are generally more able to resist pressures to conform or obey, as they take responsibility for their actions and base decisions on their own beliefs rather than others' opinions.
Evaluation of Resistance to Social Influence Theories
-
Research Support:
- Gamson et al. (1982) showed that peer support led to higher levels of resistance against authority.
- Holland found that individuals with internal LOC were more likely to resist obedience in a Milgram-style experiment.
-
Contradictory Findings:
- Twenge et al. (2004) found that over 40 years, people became more resistant to obedience but also more external in their LOC, challenging the straightforward link between internal LOC and resistance.
-
Limitations:
- The role of LOC may be limited to new situations, as familiar scenarios are more influenced by previous responses.
Evaluation: While social support and locus of control provide valuable insights into resistance to social influence, research suggests that their effects may be context-dependent and not universally applicable.
This comprehensive overview of resistance to social influence highlights the complexity of the topic and the need for nuanced understanding in A-level Psychology studies.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user