Social influence- Obedience

Question 1

What is obedience ?

Answer 1

A form of social influence in which an individual follows a direct order . The person issuing the order is usually a figure of authority, who has the power to punish when obedient behaviour is not forthcoming.

Question 2

What is agentic state ?

Answer 2

A mental state where we feel no personal responsibility for our behaviour because we believe ourselves to be acting for an authority figure (as their agent). This frees us from the demands of out consciousness and allows us to obey even a destructive authority figure.

Question 3

What is an agent ?

Answer 3

Someone who acts for or in place of another

Question 4

Outline 4 explanations for obedience

Answer 4

• Authoritarian personality
• Agentic shift/ state
• Legitimacy of authority
• Situational variables

Question 5

Give a strength of using situational variables (Bickman)

Answer 5

Bickman- 3 confederates dress in different outfits (Jacket and tie, Milkmans outfit, Security guard outfit) and asked people to pick up litter or hand over a coin for the parking meter. People were 2 times as likely to obey assistant dressed in security guard outfit than jacket and tie.