Situational factors Flashcards
Foot in the door
Once we enter a social situation, if there is no alternative presented we carry on to behave as they do. we don’t want to suffer the consequences of not following their norms.
How was foot in the door shown in the milligram experiment?
ppts didn’t know how to disobey in that situation as it was new and they were just doing as everyone else was in the situation (confederate)
Buffers
Anything that prevents those who obey from being aware of the full impact of their actions.
How was buffers shown in the milligram experiment?
The wall acted as the ppts could not see the pain the learner was in.
Prods/prompts
when the instruction given is formal, pressure to obey is greater.
How were prods/prompts used in milligrams experiment?
Milgrams study had a list of prompts that they used to encourage ppts to stay in the experiment.
demand characteristics
when the social setting presents itself with the required social norms.
How were demand characteristics presented in milligrams experiment?
The cues in the setting influences the ppts perception of what was requires of them, such as the shock generated and the list of questions.
gradual commitment
we comply to the action more if the effects are believed to be as harmful to the last order
How was gradual commitment used in milligrams experiment?
The generator switches went up in 15v increments so ppts only saw this as a small increase.
Prestigious location
if setting presents professionalism and knowledge we are more likely to obey.
How is prestigious location used in milligrams experiment?
Held at Yale university so experiments may be more knowledgable and trustworthy.
Diffusion of responsibility
the tendency for individuals to feel diminished responsibility for their actions when they are ordered to do it as the responsibility is that of the authority figures, also if more people are doing it we may feel less responsible.
How is diffusion of responsibility used in milligrams experiment?
many ppts asked whose responsibility it was if the learner was harmed and showed relief when it was on the experimenter.
perception of legitimate authority
someone who is confirmed of authority, people will feel like they have to obey them. They may be wearing a symbol or uniform.
