SAC 1 - revision Flashcards
Obedience
occurs when we follow the commands of someone with authority, or the rules or laws of our society
Status of authority figure
If the person giving the order is a figure of authority or is perceived to have a high status, the order/command is more likely to be obeyed.
Authority figure status is often conveyed through symbols and uniforms
Physical proximity
Physical proximity refers to the physical distance between two people.
The less physical distance, the greater the likelihood of obedience
Relationship proximity
Relationship proximity refers to the closeness of the relationship between two people.
The closer the relationship between two people, the greater the likelihood of obedience
Group pressure
Individuals are more likely to obey authority when they observe others obeying the command
Aim (Milgram)
to investigate the extent to which individuals would obey others, who are perceived to hold authority, even when the commands require inflicting pain and suffering on others
Hypothesis (Milgram)
It is hypothesised that male participants will obey an authority figure and deliver shocks to the ‘learner’ when instructed to do so
Results/findings (Milgram)
35% of participants disobeyed the commands of the experimenter, 65% obeyed
Conclusions (Milgram)
It can be concluded that people have a tendency to obey individuals who are perceived to have authority even if it involves inflicting harm on another person
Participant selection and allocation (Milgram)
40 male participants, convenience sampling was used
Factors affecting obedience in Milgram’s experiment (3)
Group pressure: When participants saw other disobeying the command and not administer the shocks, they were less likely to obey the commands
Proximity (physical): When instructions were given over the phone, instead of face to face, participants were less likely to obey
Status of authority figure: The researcher wore a grey lab coat (uniform) giving the perception of authority. It took place in a prestigious uni (Yale) adding to the perception of authority
Ethics: Milgram (3)
Deception: they were told the study was on learning and memory. It was on obedience, they were debriefed
No harm principle: wasn’t followed, as the deception led to participants experiencing psychological harm
Withdrawal rights: participants expressed a desire to stop, but researchers encouraged then to stay in the study
Conformity
occurs in situations when individuals change their behavior as a result of real or implied pressure from others
Social norms
These are society’s unofficial rules and expectations regarding how individuals should act
Deindividuation
Refers to the tendency for individuals to lose their sense of identity and individuality within a group
Groupshift
Refers to a condition in which the influence of the group causes an individual to adopt a more extreme position. The more influential a group is, the greater the chance of conformity
Groupthink
A psychological phenomenon in which assumed group unanimity overrules individuals’ realistic appraisal of consequences
Aim (Asch)
To measure the extent to which individuals would conform to a majority group
Hypothesis (Asch)
It is hypothesised that male university students who are exposed to group pressure will conform and say the same answer as the group in response to the length of the line, even if they don’t believe it to be correct
Results/findings (Asch)
74% conformed at least once. 24% did not conform at any point
Conclusion (Asch)
Asch concluded that people were willing to ignore reality and give an incorrect answer in order to conform to the rest of the group.
Participant selection and allocation (Asch)
50 male university age students who believed they were participating in a study examining visual perception. Confederates were used
Factors affecting conformity in Asch’s study
Group size: likelihood to conform increases as the group size increased but only up to a group of 4
Unanimity: found that having just one confederate not act unanimously in the group, significantly decreased participants conformity
Ethics: Asch
Deception/debrief – Deception was used and a debrief did occur outlining the true nature of the experiment
Withdrawal rights - Participants were not offered the right to leave
Social comparison theory
A proposal that humans measure their self-worth in relation to the people around them, playing a significant role in mental wellbeing
Social connections
The network of people available to someone for support and engagement
Positive influence on individuals
Increased ability to access support
Increase social connections that are not limited by physical proximity
Negative influence on individuals
Increased pressure to stay connected
Social connections are more numerous, but more shallow leading to feelings of isolation
Social connections may be false as people aren’t who they say they are
Positive influence on groups
Increased scope to form communities and mobilise large groups
Negative influence on groups
Increased potential conformity, people are more likely to engage in bullying to match the behaviour of others in their social group
Addictive behaviours
Behaviours that are associated with a dependence upon a particular stimulus, despite negative consequences
Consequences of media addiction
- feelings of anxiety
- feelings of depression
- irritability
- isolation
- loss of control
- distancing oneself from the real
world and family and friends
Influence of media on information access
POSITIVE: people can use digital media to access information abut any topic
NEGATIVE: Misinformation can also spread quickly using online platforms
