Describe the factors involved in social impact theory
What will be an ideal response?
Social impact theory maintains that social influence depends on the strength,
immediacy, and number of source persons relative to target persons. Strength refers to
the status, ability, or relationships of a source of influence compared to his/her target.
Immediacy of a source refers to the source's proximity in time and space to the target.
The number of sources refers to how many sources there are. The stronger the source
(i.e., higher status or closer relationship), the more immediate the source (closer
geographically), and the greater number of sources, the more influence the target will
feel and the more likely that target is to yield to that influence. If the source's attempts
at influence are divided among targets, that will dilute the impact of the source. This
theory has been criticized for failing to explain why these factors affect social
influence, but has the benefit of predicting when social influence will occur.
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If we are wrapped up in our own thoughts and issues, it is difficult to listen to someone else. This is known as ____
a. information overload b. rapid thoughts c. a preoccupation with personal concerns d. defensive listening