Reasons why people resist pressures to obey

Question 1

What are the 5 reasons people resist pressures to obey?

Answer 1

Feeling responsible and empathetic

Disobedient models

Questioning motives and status of authority

Time for discussion

Reactance

Question 2

Explain ‘Feeling responsible and empathetic’

as a reason why people resist pressures to obey

Answer 2

Milgram’s study = some pps stopped when they thought the learner was in distress – one participant said this was due to their painful life living in Nazi Germany
>Milgram said that the triggering of painful memories had ‘awakened her from her agentic state

Question 3

Explain ‘Disobedient models’

as a reason why people resist pressures to obey

Answer 3

> Seeing others refuse to obey instructions from an authority figure encourages disobedience
- e.g. when confederate participants in Milgram’s study refused to continue giving shocks, only 10% of naïve participants obeyed

Question 4

Explain ‘Questioning motives and status of authority’

as a reason why people resist pressures to obey

Answer 4

Questioning the motives, legitimacy and expertise of authority figures has been shown to prevent automatic obedience
- e.g. Milgram’s study in an office block

Question 5

Explain ‘Time for discussion’

as a reason why people resist pressures to obey

Answer 5

Gamson et al (1982) tried to get participants to form a prosecution video for a court case, when they had the chance to discuss it (those who worked in groups) they discovered an ulterior motive and refused to continue

Question 6

Explain ‘Reactance’

as a reason why people resist pressures to obey

Answer 6

When we want to protect our sense of freedom
>Gamson et al (1982) found in their study that when one person voiced their concerns, others were quick to join  rebelling against the unjust authority
Blatant attempts to restrict people’s freedom causes boomerang effect – e.g. underage drinking/smoking