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Obedience

A-Level AQA Psychology

This pack of flashcards encompasses a comprehensive overview of obedience studies in psychology, focusing on Milgram's 1963 research and its subsequent analysis. It covers the experiment's aims, procedures, findings, ethical concerns, and factors affecting obedience, such as situational variables and the agentic state. The flashcards also explore the concept of the authoritarian personality and how it relates to obedience, with comparative studies and critiques included.

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"Describe the aim of Milgram's research in 1963."	"The aim of Milgram's research was to see if people will obey orders, even those requiring them to harm others."
"Explain the procedure of Milgram's experiment."	"40 American males were recruited and told that the study was about how punishment affects learning. The participant was assigned the role of 'teacher' and another person (a confederate) was the 'learner'. The learner had to answer word-pairing questions, and if they gave an incorrect answer, the teacher was told to administer an electric shock. The shocks increased in intensity, from 15-450 volts. In reality, no shocks were administered, the learner only pretended to receive shocks."
"What were the findings of Milgram's research?"	"65% of participants went to the maximum (450 volt) shock. None stopped before 300 volts. Many showed signs of tension and anxiety, but the majority continued to the end."
"Define the terms 'conformity' and 'obedience' as used in psychology."	"Conformity is the changing your behaviour/beliefs as a result of group influence. Obedience is where an individual carries out a direct order."
"How did the experiment conducted by Hofling et al (1966) support Milgram's findings?"	"Hofling et al conducted an experiment where nurses were told over the phone by a 'doctor' to give twice the advised dosage of a made-up drug to patients. 21 out of 22 obeyed (95%), supporting Milgram’s findings that people are obedient."
"What conclusions were drawn from Milgram's research?"	"The conclusion drawn from Milgram's research was that people will obey orders from an authority figure, potentially fatally harming a stranger in doing so."
"Describe the Rank and Jacobsen (1975) experiment and its impact on Milgram's findings."	"Rank and Jacobsen (1975) conducted an experiment similar to Hofling's, but with a familiar drug (Valium) and the nurses were allowed to consult with others. Only 2 out of 18 obeyed (11%), challenging Milgram’s findings that people are generally obedient and weakening the external validity of the findings."
"What were the ethical issues in Milgram's obedience experiment?"	"The ethical issues in Milgram's experiment included deception, lack of informed consent, no real right to withdraw, and severe stress and psychological harm experienced by participants. However, Milgram debriefed his participants afterwards and 84% felt glad to have taken part."
"How did situational variables affect obedience in Milgram's experiment?"	"Situational variables significantly affected obedience in Milgram's experiment. Proximity of the teacher and learner, location of the experiment, and the uniform of the authority figure all influenced the level of obedience observed."
"Define the term 'internal validity' in the context of Milgram's variations."	"Internal validity refers to the extent to which the results of a study can be attributed to the variables that the researcher intentionally manipulated. In the context of Milgram's variations, it is suggested that the experiments lack internal validity as participants may have worked out that the procedure was faked."
"How did Bickman (1974) support the influence of uniform on obedience?"	"Bickman (1974) conducted an experiment where passers-by were asked to perform actions by a confederate dressed as a security guard, milkman, or just in a jacket and tie. There was more obedience in the security guard condition, showing the effect of uniform on obedience."
"Describe the 'agentic state' as proposed by Milgram."	"The 'agentic state' is a psychological condition in which a person does not feel in control of their actions; rather, they are under the control of someone else (an agent for someone else). The opposite to the agentic state is the autonomous state, where people do feel responsible for their actions."
"How does the 'agentic state' relate to obedience?"	"Milgram proposed that one reason why people obeyed in his study was due to the ‘agentic state’. Participants perhaps underwent an agentic shift, allowing them to blame the authority figure and absolving themselves of responsibility."
"Define 'legitimacy of authority' in the context of obedience."	"'Legitimacy of authority' suggests that people will obey someone they perceive to be ‘above’ them in the social hierarchy, and therefore think they have the right to give orders. This is linked with the uniform factor, as a uniform conveys a sense of legitimacy and authority."
"How does 'legitimacy of authority' vary across cultures?"	"'Legitimacy of authority' is supported by cultural differences. In countries where obedience and deference to authority is less valued (such as Australia), obedience rates are much lower than in countries that value legitimate authority figures (such as Germany)."
"Do all participants in Milgram’s study obey due to the 'agentic state'?"	"No, the agentic shift cannot explain why some participants in Milgram’s study did not obey, as in theory they should all have been in an agentic state. Therefore, this cannot explain all obedience, or obedience over long periods of time."
"What did Blass and Schmitt (2001) find in their study related to Milgram's 'agentic state' explanation?"	"Blass and Schmitt (2001) found that most observers thought the experimenter was responsible for the harm caused to the learner in Milgram’s study, supporting the agentic state explanation."
"Describe the 'F-Scale' developed by Adorno in the context of obedience and personality types."	"The 'F-Scale' (F standing for 'fascist') is a measure developed by Adorno to determine how authoritarian a person is. A high F-Scale score was found to be linked with excessive respect and deference to those of higher status, indicating an 'authoritarian personality' which is a factor in obedience."
"What are the features of an authoritarian personality according to Adorno's study?"	"The features of an authoritarian personality include: being negative towards those they see as 'beneath' them and obedient towards those of higher status, rigidity in their opinions, belief in 'traditional' values, unwillingness to accept new ideas or situations, and a tendency to categorise people into 'us' and 'them' groups, seeing the 'us' group as superior."
"How does a strict upbringing relate to the development of an authoritarian personality?"	"People with an authoritarian personality are more likely to have had a strict upbringing. This upbringing instills respect for authority, but also creates resentment of their parents on an unconscious level, which is displaced onto those perceived as lower than them."
"What did Milgram and Elms (1966) find about the link between obedience and the F-scale score?"	"Milgram and Elms (1966) found a correlational link between obedience participants and a high F-scale score, suggesting that having an authoritarian personality is associated with obedience."
"Why is it difficult to apply the explanation of the authoritarian personality to large groups of people or whole populations?"	"It is difficult to apply the explanation to large groups of people or whole populations because not everyone will have an authoritarian personality. This weakens the explanation of obedience based on the authoritarian personality."

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Describe the aim of Milgram's research in 1963.

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The aim of Milgram's research was to see if people will obey orders, even those requiring them to harm others.

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[{"id":1332729,"front":"Describe the aim of Milgram's research in 1963.","back":"The aim of Milgram's research was to see if people will obey orders, even those requiring them to harm others.","front_language":"English","back_language":"English","front_image":"","back_image":"","order":0,"explanation":"Milgram's research in 1963 aimed to investigate the extent to which individuals would obey authority figures, even when instructed to harm others. This study was conducted to shed light on the potential for ordinary people to engage in harmful behavior under the influence of authority, highlighting the power dynamics at play in obedience to authority. The research design involved a simulated scenario to examine participants' willingness to administer electric shocks to others, demonstrating the potential for individuals to act against their own moral judgment when instructed by an authority figure.","deleted_at":null,"flashcard_deck_id":"7FEKV","original_id":null,"examMode":{"text":"","correct":"","incorrect":"","info":""}},{"id":1332743,"front":"Explain the procedure of Milgram's experiment.","back":"40 American males were recruited and told that the study was about how punishment affects learning. The participant was assigned the role of 'teacher' and another person (a confederate) was the 'learner'. The learner had to answer word-pairing questions, and if they gave an incorrect answer, the teacher was told to administer an electric shock. The shocks increased in intensity, from 15-450 volts. In reality, no shocks were administered, the learner only pretended to receive shocks.","front_language":"English","back_language":"English","front_image":"","back_image":"","order":0,"explanation":"Milgram's experiment involved recruiting 40 American males who were told it was about punishment and learning. Participants were assigned as \"teachers\" and a confederate as \"learners\". The \"teachers\" were instructed to administer electric shocks of increasing intensity to the \"learners\" for incorrect answers, although no actual shocks were given.","deleted_at":null,"flashcard_deck_id":"7FEKV","original_id":null,"examMode":{"text":"","correct":"","incorrect":"","info":""}},{"id":1332749,"front":"What were the findings of Milgram's research?","back":"65% of participants went to the maximum (450 volt) shock. None stopped before 300 volts. Many showed signs of tension and anxiety, but the majority continued to the end.","front_language":"English","back_language":"English","front_image":"","back_image":"","order":0,"explanation":"Milgram's research findings revealed that a significant majority of participants were willing to administer the maximum 450-volt shock, with none stopping before 300 volts. Despite signs of tension and anxiety, the majority continued to the end, shedding light on the power of authority and obedience.","deleted_at":null,"flashcard_deck_id":"7FEKV","original_id":null,"examMode":{"text":"","correct":"","incorrect":"","info":""}},{"id":1332756,"front":"Define the terms 'conformity' and 'obedience' as used in psychology.","back":"Conformity is the changing your behaviour/beliefs as a result of group influence. Obedience is where an individual carries out a direct order.","front_language":"English","back_language":"English","front_image":"","back_image":"","order":0,"explanation":"Conformity and obedience are fundamental concepts in social psychology. Conformity involves adjusting one's behavior or beliefs to align with the group, while obedience pertains to following direct commands from an authority figure. These phenomena shed light on the powerful impact of social influence on individual behavior.","deleted_at":null,"flashcard_deck_id":"7FEKV","original_id":null,"examMode":{"text":"","correct":"","incorrect":"","info":""}},{"id":1332766,"front":"How did the experiment conducted by Hofling et al (1966) support Milgram's findings?","back":"Hofling et al conducted an experiment where nurses were told over the phone by a 'doctor' to give twice the advised dosage of a made-up drug to patients. 21 out of 22 obeyed (95%), supporting Milgram’s findings that people are obedient.","front_language":"English","back_language":"English","front_image":"","back_image":"","order":0,"explanation":"Hofling et al's experiment demonstrated high levels of obedience, mirroring Milgram's findings. The study's replication of obedience in a different context reinforces the generalizability of Milgram's conclusions about human behavior in authority situations.","deleted_at":null,"flashcard_deck_id":"7FEKV","original_id":null,"examMode":{"text":"","correct":"","incorrect":"","info":""}},{"id":1332767,"front":"What conclusions were drawn from Milgram's research?","back":"The conclusion drawn from Milgram's research was that people will obey orders from an authority figure, potentially fatally harming a stranger in doing so.","front_language":"English","back_language":"English","front_image":"","back_image":"","order":0,"explanation":"Milgram's research concluded that individuals are likely to obey authority figures, even if it means causing harm to others. This sheds light on the power of obedience and the potential consequences in real-world situations. The findings have had significant implications for understanding human behavior in various contexts.","deleted_at":null,"flashcard_deck_id":"7FEKV","original_id":null,"examMode":{"text":"","correct":"","incorrect":"","info":""}},{"id":1332768,"front":"Describe the Rank and Jacobsen (1975) experiment and its impact on Milgram's findings.","back":"Rank and Jacobsen (1975) conducted an experiment similar to Hofling's, but with a familiar drug (Valium) and the nurses were allowed to consult with others. Only 2 out of 18 obeyed (11%), challenging Milgram’s findings that people are generally obedient and weakening the external validity of the findings.","front_language":"English","back_language":"English","front_image":"","back_image":"","order":0,"explanation":"Rank and Jacobsen's (1975) experiment had a significant impact on Milgram's findings by challenging the generalizability of his conclusions about obedience. Their study, which involved a familiar drug and allowed consultation, showed a much lower obedience rate, weakening the external validity of Milgram's findings. This suggests that the context and specific variables can greatly influence obedience levels.","deleted_at":null,"flashcard_deck_id":"7FEKV","original_id":null,"examMode":{"text":"","correct":"","incorrect":"","info":""}},{"id":1332780,"front":"What were the ethical issues in Milgram's obedience experiment?","back":"The ethical issues in Milgram's experiment included deception, lack of informed consent, no real right to withdraw, and severe stress and psychological harm experienced by participants. However, Milgram debriefed his participants afterwards and 84% felt glad to have taken part.","front_language":"English","back_language":"English","front_image":"","back_image":"","order":0,"explanation":"Milgram's obedience experiment raised ethical concerns due to deception, lack of informed consent, and the psychological distress experienced by participants. Despite debriefing, these issues highlight the complex balance between scientific inquiry and ethical responsibility in psychological research.","deleted_at":null,"flashcard_deck_id":"7FEKV","original_id":null,"examMode":{"text":"","correct":"","incorrect":"","info":""}},{"id":1332794,"front":"How did situational variables affect obedience in Milgram's experiment?","back":"Situational variables significantly affected obedience in Milgram's experiment. Proximity of the teacher and learner, location of the experiment, and the uniform of the authority figure all influenced the level of obedience observed.","front_language":"English","back_language":"English","front_image":"","back_image":"","order":0,"explanation":"Situational variables played a crucial role in shaping obedience in Milgram's experiment. The physical distance between the teacher and learner, the setting of the experiment, and the authoritative presence all impacted the participants' level of obedience. These factors underscore the influence of the immediate environment on human behavior.","deleted_at":null,"flashcard_deck_id":"7FEKV","original_id":null,"examMode":{"text":"","correct":"","incorrect":"","info":""}},{"id":1332796,"front":"Define the term 'internal validity' in the context of Milgram's variations.","back":"Internal validity refers to the extent to which the results of a study can be attributed to the variables that the researcher intentionally manipulated. In the context of Milgram's variations, it is suggested that the experiments lack internal validity as participants may have worked out that the procedure was faked.","front_language":"English","back_language":"English","front_image":"","back_image":"","order":0,"explanation":"In Milgram's variations, internal validity is compromised because participants may have realized the deception, affecting the true impact of the manipulated variables on the results. This challenges the accuracy of attributing outcomes solely to the intended experimental factors.","deleted_at":null,"flashcard_deck_id":"7FEKV","original_id":null,"examMode":{"text":"","correct":"","incorrect":"","info":""}},{"id":1332797,"front":"How did Bickman (1974) support the influence of uniform on obedience?","back":"Bickman (1974) conducted an experiment where passers-by were asked to perform actions by a confederate dressed as a security guard, milkman, or just in a jacket and tie. There was more obedience in the security guard condition, showing the effect of uniform on obedience.","front_language":"English","back_language":"English","front_image":"","back_image":"","order":0,"explanation":"Bickman's (1974) study demonstrated the impact of uniform on obedience through a field experiment involving different attire. The variations in obedience levels based on the attire worn by the confederate provided empirical evidence for the influence of uniform on compliance with commands.","deleted_at":null,"flashcard_deck_id":"7FEKV","original_id":null,"examMode":{"text":"","correct":"","incorrect":"","info":""}},{"id":1332798,"front":"Describe the 'agentic state' as proposed by Milgram.","back":"The 'agentic state' is a psychological condition in which a person does not feel in control of their actions; rather, they are under the control of someone else (an agent for someone else). The opposite to the agentic state is the autonomous state, where people do feel responsible for their actions.","front_language":"English","back_language":"English","front_image":"","back_image":"","order":0,"explanation":"The agentic state, proposed by Milgram, refers to a psychological state where individuals feel a diminished sense of personal responsibility for their actions, instead perceiving themselves as agents carrying out the orders of an authority figure. This can lead to obedience to authority, even if it conflicts with personal morals.","deleted_at":null,"flashcard_deck_id":"7FEKV","original_id":null,"examMode":{"text":"","correct":"","incorrect":"","info":""}},{"id":1332799,"front":"How does the 'agentic state' relate to obedience?","back":"Milgram proposed that one reason why people obeyed in his study was due to the ‘agentic state’. Participants perhaps underwent an agentic shift, allowing them to blame the authority figure and absolving themselves of responsibility.","front_language":"English","back_language":"English","front_image":"","back_image":"","order":0,"explanation":"Milgram's concept of the \"agentic state\" suggests that individuals may shift into a state of obedience, attributing their actions to the authority figure's commands. This shift allows them to feel less responsible for their actions, potentially leading to increased obedience.","deleted_at":null,"flashcard_deck_id":"7FEKV","original_id":null,"examMode":{"text":"","correct":"","incorrect":"","info":""}},{"id":1332800,"front":"Define 'legitimacy of authority' in the context of obedience.","back":"'Legitimacy of authority' suggests that people will obey someone they perceive to be ‘above’ them in the social hierarchy, and therefore think they have the right to give orders. This is linked with the uniform factor, as a uniform conveys a sense of legitimacy and authority.","front_language":"English","back_language":"English","front_image":"","back_image":"","order":0,"explanation":"The concept of legitimacy of authority in the context of obedience is rooted in the perception of individuals in a social hierarchy. People are more likely to obey those they see as having the right to give orders. This perception is often reinforced by the presence of a uniform, which symbolizes legitimacy and authority.","deleted_at":null,"flashcard_deck_id":"7FEKV","original_id":null,"examMode":{"text":"","correct":"","incorrect":"","info":""}},{"id":1332801,"front":"How does 'legitimacy of authority' vary across cultures?","back":"'Legitimacy of authority' is supported by cultural differences. In countries where obedience and deference to authority is less valued (such as Australia), obedience rates are much lower than in countries that value legitimate authority figures (such as Germany).","front_language":"English","back_language":"English","front_image":"","back_image":"","order":0,"explanation":"The concept of 'legitimacy of authority' varies across cultures due to differing societal norms and values. Cultural attitudes towards authority figures influence the level of obedience and respect for authority, impacting how legitimacy is perceived and upheld in different societies.","deleted_at":null,"flashcard_deck_id":"7FEKV","original_id":null,"examMode":{"text":"","correct":"","incorrect":"","info":""}},{"id":1332802,"front":"Do all participants in Milgram’s study obey due to the 'agentic state'?","back":"No, the agentic shift cannot explain why some participants in Milgram’s study did not obey, as in theory they should all have been in an agentic state. Therefore, this cannot explain all obedience, or obedience over long periods of time.","front_language":"English","back_language":"English","front_image":"","back_image":"","order":0,"explanation":"While the agentic state theory is a compelling explanation for obedience in Milgram's study, it does not account for all instances of disobedience. Factors like individual differences, personal morals, and situational variables can also influence obedience levels. Additionally, the agentic state theory may not fully elucidate obedience over extended durations.","deleted_at":null,"flashcard_deck_id":"7FEKV","original_id":null,"examMode":{"text":"","correct":"","incorrect":"","info":""}},{"id":1332808,"front":"What did Blass and Schmitt (2001) find in their study related to Milgram's 'agentic state' explanation?","back":"Blass and Schmitt (2001) found that most observers thought the experimenter was responsible for the harm caused to the learner in Milgram’s study, supporting the agentic state explanation.","front_language":"English","back_language":"English","front_image":"","back_image":"","order":0,"explanation":"Blass and Schmitt's (2001) study revealed that the majority of observers attributed responsibility for the harm to the experimenter in Milgram's study, aligning with the agentic state explanation. This suggests that individuals may shift responsibility to authority figures in certain situations, impacting their behavior.","deleted_at":null,"flashcard_deck_id":"7FEKV","original_id":null,"examMode":{"text":"","correct":"","incorrect":"","info":""}},{"id":1332814,"front":"Describe the 'F-Scale' developed by Adorno in the context of obedience and personality types.","back":"The 'F-Scale' (F standing for 'fascist') is a measure developed by Adorno to determine how authoritarian a person is. A high F-Scale score was found to be linked with excessive respect and deference to those of higher status, indicating an 'authoritarian personality' which is a factor in obedience.","front_language":"English","back_language":"English","front_image":"","back_image":"","order":0,"explanation":"The 'F-Scale' by Adorno assesses authoritarian tendencies in individuals, revealing a correlation between high scores and a submissive attitude towards authority figures. This 'authoritarian personality' trait plays a role in influencing obedience levels within a given context.","deleted_at":null,"flashcard_deck_id":"7FEKV","original_id":null,"examMode":{"text":"","correct":"","incorrect":"","info":""}},{"id":1332815,"front":"What are the features of an authoritarian personality according to Adorno's study?","back":"The features of an authoritarian personality include: being negative towards those they see as 'beneath' them and obedient towards those of higher status, rigidity in their opinions, belief in 'traditional' values, unwillingness to accept new ideas or situations, and a tendency to categorise people into 'us' and 'them' groups, seeing the 'us' group as superior.","front_language":"English","back_language":"English","front_image":"","back_image":"","order":0,"explanation":"Adorno's study on authoritarian personalities highlighted traits like rigid adherence to traditional values, a hierarchical view of society, and a tendency to categorize people into distinct groups. These individuals often exhibit a strong need for authority and can be resistant to change or new ideas.","deleted_at":null,"flashcard_deck_id":"7FEKV","original_id":null,"examMode":{"text":"","correct":"","incorrect":"","info":""}},{"id":1332823,"front":"How does a strict upbringing relate to the development of an authoritarian personality?","back":"People with an authoritarian personality are more likely to have had a strict upbringing. This upbringing instills respect for authority, but also creates resentment of their parents on an unconscious level, which is displaced onto those perceived as lower than them.","front_language":"English","back_language":"English","front_image":"","back_image":"","order":0,"explanation":"A strict upbringing can shape individuals to value authority and rules, but it may also lead to deep-seated feelings of rebellion and displacement of resentment onto others. This complex dynamic can contribute to the development of an authoritarian personality.","deleted_at":null,"flashcard_deck_id":"7FEKV","original_id":null,"examMode":{"text":"","correct":"","incorrect":"","info":""}},{"id":1332829,"front":"What did Milgram and Elms (1966) find about the link between obedience and the F-scale score?","back":"Milgram and Elms (1966) found a correlational link between obedience participants and a high F-scale score, suggesting that having an authoritarian personality is associated with obedience.","front_language":"English","back_language":"English","front_image":"","back_image":"","order":0,"explanation":"Milgram and Elms (1966) discovered a significant correlation between participants' obedience and high F-scale scores. This implies that individuals with authoritarian personalities are more likely to exhibit obedience, shedding light on the psychological factors influencing compliance with authority figures.","deleted_at":null,"flashcard_deck_id":"7FEKV","original_id":null,"examMode":{"text":"","correct":"","incorrect":"","info":""}},{"id":1332838,"front":"Why is it difficult to apply the explanation of the authoritarian personality to large groups of people or whole populations?","back":"It is difficult to apply the explanation to large groups of people or whole populations because not everyone will have an authoritarian personality. This weakens the explanation of obedience based on the authoritarian personality.","front_language":"English","back_language":"English","front_image":"","back_image":"","order":0,"explanation":"The difficulty arises from the fact that the authoritarian personality theory doesn't encompass the diversity of individual traits within large groups or populations. This limits its applicability as not everyone fits the authoritarian personality profile, undermining its explanatory power for obedience on a broader scale.","deleted_at":null,"flashcard_deck_id":"7FEKV","original_id":null,"examMode":{"text":"","correct":"","incorrect":"","info":""}}]

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