Situational factors of obedience Flashcards
Define *Foot in the door
Having begun the experiment, participant did not know how to disobey: nothing they said had any effect on the experiment
which variation does this apply and give an example from the Milgram study
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
Define *Buffers
Anything that prevent those who obey from being aware of the full impact if their actions
which variation does this apply and give an example from the Milgram study
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
Define *Prods/Prompts
When the instruction given is formal, pressure to obey is greater
which variation does this apply and give an example from the Milgram study
Exp - 13
please go on, the experiment requires you to continue
Define *Demand characteristics
When the social setting presents itself with the required social norm
which variation does this apply and give an example from the Milgram study
Exp - 10 (location)
cues in experimental setting influenced the participants perception of what was requires pf them
Define *Gradual commitment
We comply to the action more if the effects aren’t believed to be harmful as the last order
which variation does this apply and give an example from the Milgram study
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
Define *Prestigious location
IF the setting presents professionalism and knowledge we will obey
which variation does this apply and give an example from the Milgram study
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)
Define *Diffusion of responsibility
We follow orders and believe the authority figure is in charge therefore responsible for the situation. more people = fell less responsible and involved
which variation does this apply and give an example from the Milgram study
Exp - 13
many participant’s asked whose responsibility was it fi the learner was harmed and showed visible relief when the experimenter took responsibility
Define *Perception of legitimate authority
If authority wears a symbol or uniform that dictates their power we will obey accordingly
which variation does this apply and give an example from the Milgram study
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
Define *Seen as a fair experiment
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
which variation does this apply and give an example from the Milgram study
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)
Define Obedience
- 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
Define Dissent
- 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
