Explanations of Independent Behaviour - Obedience

Question 1

Name 3 explanations of how people resist pressures to obey other than locus of control.

Answer 1

• Agency Theory
• Lack of a Legitimate Authority
• Disobedient Models

Question 2

How does the agency theory explain how some people may be able to resist pressures to obey?

Answer 2

Milgram developed a theory based on his obedience research. He suggested that individuals operate in one of two ways:

• In an autonomous state - they take responsibility for their own actions and are therefore more likely to behave in an independent and moral way.
• In an agentic state - they feel that they are acting as an agent of someone else so they feel less responsible for their actions

Milgram suggested people can move from one state to another (agentic shift).

Question 3

How does lack of a legitimate authority explain how some people resist pressures to obey?

Answer 3

If someone doubts the legitimacy of a place or person and they question their motives, they will usually not obey them.

Question 4

How do disobedient models explain why some people are able to resist pressures to obey?

Answer 4

The presence of other people who disobey can reduce obedience, as the person who disobeys may empower the individual.

Question 5

What research/study support the agency theory’s role in disobedience?

Answer 5

One participant in Milgram’s study told researchers after the experiment that her background experiences in Nazi Germany affected her responses in the experiment, as she felt she was awoken from her agentic state and was then able to feel responsible for her actions and stop carrying out the shocks.

Question 6

What research/study supports the idea that lack of a legitimate authority aids disobedience?

Answer 6

A variation of Milgram’s research in a run-down office block supported the idea that lack of a legitimate authority has an effect, as obedience dropped to 48%. The surroundings were less prestigious so seemed less legit.

Question 7

What research/study supports the idea that disobedient models can aid disobedience?

Answer 7

A variation of Milgram’s experiment in which 2 disobedient peers were presence showed that obedience dropped.