Social Influence

Question 1

Define the authoritarian personality as an explanation of obedience.

Answer 1

• A collection of traits developed from strict parenting
• Traits may include conformist, conventional, hostile towards those of perceived lower status
• Obedient towards people of perceived higher status
• Assessment of authoritarian personality is done by using the F scale

Question 2

What are some evaluations of the authoritarian personality?

Answer 2

• Dispositional explanations can’t explain obedience in entire societies.
• Research findings in obedience studies e.g. Milgram can be more readily explained by situational factors.