Obedience: Key Words

Question 1

Obedience

Answer 1

An individual follows a direct order. The person issuing the order is usually a figure of authority, who has the power to punish.

Question 2

Situational Variables

Answer 2

Factors that influence the level of obedience. Related to external circumstances.

Question 3

Proximity

Answer 3

Physical closeness of an authority figure to the person they are giving an order to.

Question 4

Location

Answer 4

The place where an order is issued. The status or prestige associated with the location can influence obedience.

Question 5

Uniform

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Agentic State

Answer 6

A mental state where we feel no personal responsibility for our behaviour. Believe ourselves to be acting for an authority figure.

Question 7

Legitimacy of Authority

Answer 7

We are more likely to obey people who we perceive to have authority over us. This authority is justified by the individuals position of power within a social hierarchy.

Question 8

Dispositional Explanation

Answer 8

Any explanation of behaviour that highlights the importance of the individual’s personality. Contrasted with Situational Explanations.

Question 9

Authoritarian Personality

Answer 9

A type of personality that Adorno argued was especially susceptible to obeying people in authority. They are thought to be submissive to those of higher status and dismissive of inferiors.