Psychology: Conformity, Compliance, and Milgram Obedience Study

Conformity

Copying the behavior and/or beliefs of others, whether explicitly told to do so or not

Normative Conformity

Conforming to gain reward or avoid punishment from a person or group

Informational Conformity

Conforming to gain correct information in ambiguous situations

Compliance

Acting in line with a direct request

Internal Compliance

Acting according to one's beliefs and principles

External Compliance

Acting out of concern for how it would appear to refuse

Obedience

Performing an action in response to a direct order from an authority figure

Milgram Obedience Study

Study examining obedience to authority using electric shocks as punishment

Purpose of Milgram Study

To determine how far people would go in obeying authority figures

Key Finding of Milgram Study

People obey authority even when it conflicts with personal morals

Responsibility in Milgram Study

The less responsible participants felt, the more likely they were to continue shocking

Factors Increasing Obedience

Authority presence, diffusion of responsibility, distance from the victim

Factors Decreasing Obedience

Close proximity to the victim and increased personal responsibility

Victim Proximity Effect

Obedience decreased when the victim was physically closer

Lowest Obedience Condition in Milgram

When the victim was in the same room

Least Likely to Obey Scenario

When participants had to force the victim's hand onto a shock plate