Evaluation of Social Impact Theory

In one of Milgram’s variations two confederates acted as fellow participants in the shocking room. When these confederates rebelled against instructions to shock Mr Wallace only 10% of real participants obeyed to the end. This supports social impact theory as the theory can explain why this result was found as there were many targets against one source, which demonstrates the divisional effect. All of Milgram’s studies into obedience have investigated the observable human responses to changes in strength, immediacy and number. This therefore adds validity to the explanation as there is evidence to support it.

The theory is limited in the type of social situation it can explain/predict. For instance, if two groups, equal in size were to meet, the impact that they would have on one another is not clear. If two football groups met who were equal in size, strength and immediacy – who would be the source and who would be the target? The theory therefore seems to be insufficient…