Social Impact Theory:

Created by: VittoriaAnna
Created on: 15-05-16 17:08


	SOCIAL IMPACT THEORY
	Advantages The use of a mathematical formula means the results are objective and valid. It allows predictions to be made about levels of impact on society, as long as we can measure the immediacy and size of the group. It is generalisable to all cultures as it highlights it is an idea present in all groups. It can be used to explain the results of Milgram's two peers rebel study and the variation with two teachers.	Disadvantages It is such a complex idea that involves so many factors that it i shard to believe it can be reduced to a mathematical formula. It doesn't look at the recipricol effect, as it is a static theory. It doesn't look at individual differences (loci etc.) It looks at social impact in general and not just at obedience, s can explain why others effect obedience, but not why situation does. Obedience is the behaviour of an individual in response to another, so SIT only works in group situations.
	Evaluation S- Supported by Milgram's two peers rebel and two teachers variation.C- Individual differences, for example people who are resistant to changing their mind and are stubborn etc. R- Simplifies a complex behaviour to a mathematical formula, ignores individual differences and ignores social loafing etc. U- Explains decision making in a jury, and how they may change views to fit the majority.M- Supported by Milgram which is a lab experiment and Meeus & Raaijmakers which is a real- life setting, both showed effect of another person, Milgram showed decrease from 65% to 10% with 2 confederates.

SOCIAL IMPACT THEORY

Advantages

The use of a mathematical formula means the results are objective and valid. It allows predictions to be made about levels of impact on society, as long as we can measure the immediacy and size of the group.
It is generalisable to all cultures as it highlights it is an idea present in all groups.
It can be used to explain the results of Milgram's two peers rebel study and the variation with two teachers.

Disadvantages

It is such a complex idea that involves so many factors that it i shard to believe it can be reduced to a mathematical formula.
It doesn't look at the recipricol effect, as it is a static theory.
It doesn't look at individual differences (loci etc.)
It looks at social impact in general and not just at obedience, s can explain why others effect obedience, but not why situation does.
Obedience is the behaviour of an individual in response to another, so SIT only works in group situations.

Evaluation

S- Supported by Milgram's two peers rebel and two teachers variation.C- Individual differences, for example people who are resistant to changing their mind and are stubborn etc. R- Simplifies a complex behaviour to a mathematical formula, ignores individual differences and ignores social loafing etc. U- Explains decision making in a jury, and how they may change views to fit the majority.M- Supported by Milgram which is a lab experiment and Meeus & Raaijmakers which is a real- life setting, both showed effect of another person, Milgram showed decrease from 65% to 10% with 2 confederates.

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Social Impact Theory: