LOC Theory PDF

Internal LOCs more likely to resist pressures to conform/obey Take responsibility for own actions/experiences = more likely to act on own beliefs High internal LOC: more self confident/achievement orientated/intelligent, less need for social approval (traits lead to greater resistance) Support li...

Internal LOCs more likely to resist pressures to conform/obey Take responsibility for own actions/experiences = more likely to act on own beliefs High internal LOC: more self confident/achievement orientated/intelligent, less need for social approval (traits lead to greater resistance) Support link between LOC/obedience Holland: repeated Milgram study, recorded whether ppts were internals/externals 37% internals did not continue to 450v (showed independence) 23% externals did not Internals showed greater resistance Increases validity of LOC as explanation/confidence that it can explain obedience Resistance to social influence: locus of control (contradictory research) Not all research supports link between LOC/resistance Twenge et al: analysed data from American LOC studies over 40 years People have become more independent and more external Resistance due to LOC: expect more internal Challenges link Results may be due to changing society - things increasingly out of our control Role in resisting SI may be exaggerated Rotter: found LOC only important in new situations Little influence in familiar situations (previous experiences always more important) Often overlooked People who have conformed/obeyed in specific situations in the past are likely to do so again, even with high internal LOC Only helpful in explaining narrow range of new situations