Dispositional explanations for obedience

Question 1

What is an Authoritarian Personality

Answer 1

A personality type caused by harsh parenting, making someone more submissive to authority. They respect those in in higher social class and are hostile to those in lower social class.

Question 2

What is an internal locus of control

Answer 2

A personality trait held by people who believe they are responsible for their own actions.

Question 3

What is used to test someone for an authoritarian personality

Answer 3

F-Scale

Question 4

Evaluate authoritarian personality as an explanation for obedience (Give a strength)

Answer 4

There is evidence authoritarians are obedient. Milgram took 20 most obedient p’s and interviewed them. They scored high on the F-Scale.

Question 5

Evaluate authoritarian personality as an explanation for obedience (Give a weakness)

Answer 5

Obedient p’s had unusual characteristics for authoritarians. E.g. Didn’t experience a harsh upbringing with high levels of punishment.