SAC 1 - revision

Question 1

Obedience

Answer 1

occurs when we follow the commands of someone with authority, or the rules or laws of our society

Question 2

Status of authority figure

Answer 2

If the person giving the order is a figure of authority or is perceived to have a high status, the order/command is more likely to be obeyed.

Authority figure status is often conveyed through symbols and uniforms

Question 3

Physical proximity

Answer 3

Physical proximity refers to the physical distance between two people.

The less physical distance, the greater the likelihood of obedience

Question 4

Relationship proximity

Answer 4

Relationship proximity refers to the closeness of the relationship between two people.

The closer the relationship between two people, the greater the likelihood of obedience

Question 5

Group pressure

Answer 5

Individuals are more likely to obey authority when they observe others obeying the command

Question 6

Aim (Milgram)

Answer 6

to investigate the extent to which individuals would obey others, who are perceived to hold authority, even when the commands require inflicting pain and suffering on others

Question 7

Hypothesis (Milgram)

Answer 7

It is hypothesised that male participants will obey an authority figure and deliver shocks to the ‘learner’ when instructed to do so

Question 8

Results/findings (Milgram)

Answer 8

35% of participants disobeyed the commands of the experimenter, 65% obeyed

Question 9

Conclusions (Milgram)

Answer 9

It can be concluded that people have a tendency to obey individuals who are perceived to have authority even if it involves inflicting harm on another person

Question 10

Participant selection and allocation (Milgram)

Answer 10

40 male participants, convenience sampling was used

Question 11

Factors affecting obedience in Milgram’s experiment (3)

Answer 11

Group pressure: When participants saw other disobeying the command and not administer the shocks, they were less likely to obey the commands

Proximity (physical): When instructions were given over the phone, instead of face to face, participants were less likely to obey

Status of authority figure: The researcher wore a grey lab coat (uniform) giving the perception of authority. It took place in a prestigious uni (Yale) adding to the perception of authority

Question 12

Ethics: Milgram (3)

Answer 12

Deception: they were told the study was on learning and memory. It was on obedience, they were debriefed

No harm principle: wasn’t followed, as the deception led to participants experiencing psychological harm

Withdrawal rights: participants expressed a desire to stop, but researchers encouraged then to stay in the study

Question 13

Conformity

Answer 13

occurs in situations when individuals change their behavior as a result of real or implied pressure from others

Question 14

Social norms

Answer 14

These are society’s unofficial rules and expectations regarding how individuals should act

Question 15

Deindividuation

Answer 15

Refers to the tendency for individuals to lose their sense of identity and individuality within a group

Question 16

Groupshift

Answer 16

Refers to a condition in which the influence of the group causes an individual to adopt a more extreme position. The more influential a group is, the greater the chance of conformity

Question 17

Groupthink

Answer 17

A psychological phenomenon in which assumed group unanimity overrules individuals’ realistic appraisal of consequences

Question 18

Aim (Asch)

Answer 18

To measure the extent to which individuals would conform to a majority group

Question 19

Hypothesis (Asch)

Answer 19

It is hypothesised that male university students who are exposed to group pressure will conform and say the same answer as the group in response to the length of the line, even if they don’t believe it to be correct

Question 20

Results/findings (Asch)

Answer 20

74% conformed at least once. 24% did not conform at any point

Question 21

Conclusion (Asch)

Answer 21

Asch concluded that people were willing to ignore reality and give an incorrect answer in order to conform to the rest of the group.

Question 22

Participant selection and allocation (Asch)

Answer 22

50 male university age students who believed they were participating in a study examining visual perception. Confederates were used

Question 23

Factors affecting conformity in Asch’s study

Answer 23

Group size: likelihood to conform increases as the group size increased but only up to a group of 4

Unanimity: found that having just one confederate not act unanimously in the group, significantly decreased participants conformity

Question 24

Ethics: Asch

Answer 24

Deception/debrief – Deception was used and a debrief did occur outlining the true nature of the experiment

Withdrawal rights - Participants were not offered the right to leave

Question 25

Social comparison theory

Answer 25

A proposal that humans measure their self-worth in relation to the people around them, playing a significant role in mental wellbeing

Question 26

Social connections

Answer 26

The network of people available to someone for support and engagement

Question 27

Positive influence on individuals

Answer 27

Increased ability to access support Increase social connections that are not limited by physical proximity

Question 28

Negative influence on individuals

Answer 28

Increased pressure to stay connected Social connections are more numerous, but more shallow leading to feelings of isolation Social connections may be false as people aren't who they say they are

Question 29

Positive influence on groups

Answer 29

Increased scope to form communities and mobilise large groups

Question 30

Negative influence on groups

Answer 30

Increased potential conformity, people are more likely to engage in bullying to match the behaviour of others in their social group

Question 31

Addictive behaviours

Answer 31

Behaviours that are associated with a dependence upon a particular stimulus, despite negative consequences

Question 32

Consequences of media addiction

Answer 32

- feelings of anxiety - feelings of depression - irritability - isolation - loss of control - distancing oneself from the real world and family and friends

Question 33

Influence of media on information access

Answer 33

POSITIVE: people can use digital media to access information abut any topic NEGATIVE: Misinformation can also spread quickly using online platforms