Resistance in metal wires is primarily influenced by the movement of conductive electrons, as explained by the Drude model. As temperature increases, the positive charges in the metal vibrate more, occupying more space and impeding electron flow. This results in higher resistance due to the increased difficulty for electrons to navigate through the metal. The discussion highlights the relationship between temperature and resistance, emphasizing that hotter metals lead to greater resistance. Understanding these concepts is crucial for applications involving electrical conductivity in various materials.