Social Influence GCSE Psychology Revision
Edexcel Psychology Year 11 Revision Session 60 Minutes
WALT: We Are Learning To...
Understand conformity, obedience and social change Analyze key psychological studies and research Apply knowledge to exam questions effectively Evaluate theories and explanations critically
What is Social Influence?
The process by which individuals change their behaviour due to real or imagined pressure from others Includes conformity, obedience, and minority influence Affects our daily decisions and actions Key area in social psychology
Types of Conformity
{"left":"Compliance: Public agreement but private disagreement\nIdentification: Conforming to be accepted by a group","right":"Internalisation: Genuine acceptance of group norms"}
Asch's Line Study (1951)
Participants judged line lengths in groups with confederates Confederate gave obviously wrong answers 36.8% conformity rate overall Showed power of group pressure on perception
Asch Experiment Activity
Work in groups of 6 One person is the 'real participant' Others give wrong answers to simple questions Observe conformity in action!
Factors Affecting Conformity
Group size: Conformity increases up to 3-4 people Unanimity: One dissenter reduces conformity dramatically Task difficulty: Harder tasks increase conformity Culture: Collectivist cultures show higher conformity
Quick Check Question
In Asch's study, what happened to conformity rates when just ONE confederate gave the correct answer? A) Increased to 50% B) Stayed the same C) Dropped to 5% D) Increased to 75%
Milgram's Obedience Study (1963)
Participants believed they were giving electric shocks 65% continued to maximum 450 volts Demonstrated power of authority figures Ethical concerns led to stricter research guidelines
Factors Affecting Obedience
{"left":"Proximity: Closer authority = higher obedience\nLocation: Prestigious settings increase obedience","right":"Uniform: Authority symbols boost compliance\nGradual commitment: Small steps lead to bigger ones"}
Social Influence Bingo
Find someone who has: Changed opinion due to friends Followed fashion trends Obeyed rules without questioning Stood up to group pressure
Resistance to Social Influence
Social support: Allies reduce conformity pressure Locus of control: Internal locus resists more Moral reasoning: Strong values provide resistance Education: Understanding influence builds immunity
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