Discuss at least two explanations for defiance of authority. Refer to evidence in your answer. (16)
AO1:
De ance to authority → resisting orders or pressure to obey
2 explanations → Social support and locus of control
Social support
AUL presence of others who resist authority or disobey
seeing someone else disobey acts as a model, increases confidence and reduces the pressure to obey
Milgram: obedience dropped when a disobedient confederate was present and the same happened with
Asch when at least one dissenter gave a different or wrong answer
A03 This shows how social support gives individuals con dence to resist
Despite support, many still conformed or obeyed meaning social support alone isn't always enough,
other factors such as personality or situation still play a role
Locus of control
A81 Internal LOC → control their own behaviour so more likely to resist authority as they take responsibility
External loc → behaviour is caused by external factors and so less likely to resist
Holland: ppts with an internal LOC were more likely resist in a milgram style replication
Shows internal LOC is associated with independent behaviour and resistance
Not all studies consistently nd a strong relationship between LOC and resistance
A83 Correlation doesn't always mean causation
LOC may only predict resistance in NSI situations
Spector: internal LOCs resisted normal social in uence but not informational
Supports the idea that LOC works in some social situations more than others
IRRL → addiction research shows internal LOC linked to greater self-control which supports LOC as a broader
concept of personal responsibility
fi
fi fl fi
AO1:
De ance to authority → resisting orders or pressure to obey
2 explanations → Social support and locus of control
Social support
AUL presence of others who resist authority or disobey
seeing someone else disobey acts as a model, increases confidence and reduces the pressure to obey
Milgram: obedience dropped when a disobedient confederate was present and the same happened with
Asch when at least one dissenter gave a different or wrong answer
A03 This shows how social support gives individuals con dence to resist
Despite support, many still conformed or obeyed meaning social support alone isn't always enough,
other factors such as personality or situation still play a role
Locus of control
A81 Internal LOC → control their own behaviour so more likely to resist authority as they take responsibility
External loc → behaviour is caused by external factors and so less likely to resist
Holland: ppts with an internal LOC were more likely resist in a milgram style replication
Shows internal LOC is associated with independent behaviour and resistance
Not all studies consistently nd a strong relationship between LOC and resistance
A83 Correlation doesn't always mean causation
LOC may only predict resistance in NSI situations
Spector: internal LOCs resisted normal social in uence but not informational
Supports the idea that LOC works in some social situations more than others
IRRL → addiction research shows internal LOC linked to greater self-control which supports LOC as a broader
concept of personal responsibility
fi
fi fl fi
