Situational factors of obedience

Question 1

Define *Foot in the door

Answer 1

Having begun the experiment, participant did not know how to disobey: nothing they said had any effect on the experiment

Question 2

which variation does this apply and give an example from the Milgram study

Answer 2

Exp - 13

as they were more confederates than participant the notion that was generally seen was that the participant was going with the flow of the other 2 confederates

Question 3

Define *Buffers

Answer 3

Anything that prevent those who obey from being aware of the full impact if their actions

Question 4

which variation does this apply and give an example from the Milgram study

Answer 4

Exp - 13 (2 actors including real experimenter and 1 victim )

since following the flow (generally) participants defer the responsibility on the confederate as they’re taking the lead and giving out orders

Question 5

Define *Prods/Prompts

Answer 5

When the instruction given is formal, pressure to obey is greater

Question 6

which variation does this apply and give an example from the Milgram study

Answer 6

Exp - 13

please go on, the experiment requires you to continue

Question 7

Define *Demand characteristics

Answer 7

When the social setting presents itself with the required social norm

Question 8

which variation does this apply and give an example from the Milgram study

Answer 8

Exp - 10 (location)

cues in experimental setting influenced the participants perception of what was requires pf them

Question 9

Define *Gradual commitment

Answer 9

We comply to the action more if the effects aren’t believed to be harmful as the last order

Question 10

which variation does this apply and give an example from the Milgram study

Answer 10

Exp - 10, 7 (orders through phone), 13

Generators switches went up in small increments (15v) so participants found it easier to obey

• can see it as bullying as most actions start of small like name calling then moves onto physical abuse

Question 11

Define *Prestigious location

Answer 11

IF the setting presents professionalism and knowledge we will obey

Question 12

which variation does this apply and give an example from the Milgram study

Answer 12

Exp - 10

exp was held at Yale university so participants thoughts researcher were seen as experts (as well known uni’s have high requirements to enter)

Question 13

Define *Diffusion of responsibility

Answer 13

We follow orders and believe the authority figure is in charge therefore responsible for the situation. more people = fell less responsible and involved

Question 14

which variation does this apply and give an example from the Milgram study

Answer 14

Exp - 13

many participant’s asked whose responsibility was it fi the learner was harmed and showed visible relief when the experimenter took responsibility

Question 15

Define *Perception of legitimate authority

Answer 15

If authority wears a symbol or uniform that dictates their power we will obey accordingly

Question 16

which variation does this apply and give an example from the Milgram study

Answer 16

Exp - 13, 7

the experimenter was seen as a legitimate authority figure in Milgram study as they wore a grey lab coat to indicate their position

Question 17

Define *Seen as a fair experiment

Answer 17

When the situation is fair by giving the perception that we could’ve easily been the other person as the roles was chosen by random

Question 18

which variation does this apply and give an example from the Milgram study

Answer 18

Exp - 10, 7, 13

participants both draw lots at the start so had an equal chance of being teacher or learner (but was actually fixed)

Question 19

Define Obedience

Answer 19

• following a command that is relatively given by someone that has authority, which they are obliged to follow
• wouldn’t carry it out independently
• for example: people generally never disobey a police officer if asked to open the truck or get out of the vehicles or show ID

Question 20

Define Dissent

Answer 20

• where a person express their disagreement to an authority figures order however it doesn’t mean they will disobey hence lead
• a moral objection and doesn’t agree with own moral code
• for example when management has to fire someone from the order of a higher up, they disagree with the decision but still follows the order