Implications for social change of research into social influence SOCIAL CHANGE

Learning Objectives  To explain the implications/impact of social influence research  To define “social change”  To discuss examples of social change

Implications from research on conformity and obedience - Page 27  Do only evil people committ evil acts?  Enlightenment  Foot in the door technique  Psychology codes and ethical guidelines Complete the cut and stick activity identifying the four key effects of social influence research

Implications from research on conformity and obedience Page 27  Do only evil people do evil acts? – Research by Zimbardo and Milgram has shown that the most ordinary people will commit unethical acts – need to reduce this and be aware of the circumstances that lead to blind obedience.  Enlightenment – people will be less susceptible to blind obedience now that they know the processes involved in social influence  Foot in the door technique – linked to gradual commitment – comply with a small request and subsequently go along with more important requests (Milgram) – linked to charity workers  Psychology codes and ethical guidelines – came about in response to Milgram and Zimbardo studies – didn’t exist in those days! Ensure that psychological research is protecting participants – prevent unethical practise

What is social change??? – Page 26  When a society adopts a new belief or way of believing that then becomes widely accepted as the norm.  E.g. Homosexuality/ Gay Rights

Examples of social change – Page 31  Rosa Parks -  Suffragette movement  Martin Luther King - Use notes from the video clips and hand-out to outline these three examples of social change