Dispositional Explanation For Obedience - Authoritarian Personality

Question 1

What is meant by the authoritarian personality? (Intro)

Answer 1

• adorno proposed the dispositional exp/authoritarian personality as an exp of obedience
• it is an int exp as it suggests personality characteristics are associated with higher levels of obedience

Question 2

How does an authoritarian personality develop?

Answer 2

• develops from strict parenting during individuals childhood e.g. expectation of loyalty, impossibly high standards and severe criticism of failings

Question 3

What is an authoritarian personality?

Answer 3

• collection of personality traits such as showing extreme respect and submission to perceived authority as they see them as superior
• disapprove and show anger towards indvs perceived as low status as they see them as inferior
• black and white thinking + strict adherence to rules

Question 4

How was the authoritarian personality measured?

Answer 4

• assessed using the F - scale questionnaire by adorno on a sample of over 2000 american ppts
• those who scored highly had an authoritarian personality

Question 5

What are the three AO3 PEELS to evaluate the dispositional explanation/authoritarian personality

Answer 5

RTS by Milgram and Elms
Weakness - social desirability
Alt exp - situational variables