Obedience - Situational Variables

Question 1

Proximity

Answer 1

This refers to the physical closeness or distance of an authority figure to the person they are giving an order to.

Question 2

Touch Proximity

Answer 2

One condition in Milgram’s research required the ‘teacher’ to force the ‘learner’s hand onto an electroshock plate when he refused to answer a question. In this condition the obedience rate dropped to 30%

Question 3

Remote Proximity

Answer 3

In another condition, the experimenter left the room and gave the instructions to the teacher by telephone. In this condition the obedience rate dropped to 20.5%

Question 4

Location

Answer 4

This refers to the place where an order is issued. The relevant factor that influences obedience is the status or prestige associated with the location

Question 5

Uniform

Answer 5

People in positions of authority often have a specific outfit that is symbolic of their authority. This indicates to the rest of us who is entitled to expect our obedience.