Obedience

What is the Agentic State?

A mental state where individuals see themselves as agents executing another’s wishes.

What is Legitimacy of Authority?

The perception that authority figures have the right to give orders, leading to obedience

Evaluate the Agentic State explanation

Explains obedience in hierarchical structures but doesn’t account for individual differences in resistance or disobedience.

Evaluate Legitimacy of Authority

It explains why people are obedient to authority figures, suggesting that perceived legitimacy can lead to higher compliance. However, it may overlook factors such as personal morals or situational context.

How does proximity affect obedience?

Closer proximity to the victim reduces obedience; proximity to authority increases it

How does location affect obedience?

More prestigious settings can enhance perceived legitimacy and increase obedience, while less authoritative environments may diminish compliance.

How does uniform affect obedience?

Authority figure's uniform can enhance perceived legitimacy, leading to increased obedience and compliance from individuals.

Evaluate Milgram’s situational variables

Milgram's situational variables demonstrate that factors like proximity, location, and uniform influence individuals' willingness to follow orders, significantly impacting their levels of obedience. However, findings may lack ecological validity and may not fully represent real-world behaviour in less controlled environments.

What is the Authoritarian Personality?

A personality type characterised by strict adherence to authority and conventional values

Who developed the concept of the Authoritarian Personality?

Adorno et al. (1950)

Evaluate the Authoritarian Personality explanation

Provides insight into individual differences, but correlational evidence limits causal conclusions and lacks predictability in behaviour.