Conclusion: The study suggests that people are willing to obey authority figures, even if it means going against their own moral beliefs.
Social Approach
Psychology Notes
A Level/AS Level/O Level
Social Approach
The Power of Authority: A Look at the Social Approach
Ever wondered why you might do something you wouldn't normally do just because someone in charge told you to? That's where the social approach in psychology comes in. It's all about how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the people around us - from our families and friends to society as a whole. Think of it like this: we're social creatures, and being part of a group affects how we act.
The Milgram Experiment: A Shocking Study
In the 1960s, a psychologist named Stanley Milgram wanted to understand why people obeyed authority figures, even when it meant doing something wrong. He designed an experiment where participants were told to deliver electric shocks to another person (who was actually an actor) whenever they got a question wrong on a memory test. The "teacher" (the participant) didn't know the "learner" was just pretending. Here's the shocking part: 65% of the participants went all the way to the highest shock level, even though they heard the learner screaming in pain.
Why Did They Obey?
There were a few key reasons why people obeyed in Milgram's experiment:
- The Authority Figure: The experimenter (who was in a lab coat and looked very official) was seen as an authority figure, making the participants more likely to follow their instructions. Think about how you might follow the instructions of a teacher, a doctor, or a police officer.
- The Situation: The experiment was conducted in a lab, which gave it a sense of legitimacy and made it harder for participants to question what was happening.
- The Gradual Nature of the Experiment: The shock levels increased gradually, making it easier for participants to continue obeying, even when they started to feel uncomfortable.
The Power of Conformity
Another important concept in the social approach is conformity - the tendency to change our behavior to fit in with a group. Think about how you might dress a certain way to fit in with your friends, or how you might laugh at a joke even if you don't find it funny because everyone else is laughing.
Real-World Examples:
- Following Rules: We follow traffic laws, school rules, and societal norms because of the authority figures who enforce them.
- Social Media Trends: We might try a new hairstyle or participate in a challenge because it's popular on social media.
- Groupthink: When a group makes a bad decision because they're all afraid to disagree with the leader.
Conclusion:
The study suggests that people are willing to obey authority figures, even if it means going against their own moral beliefs. This is a powerful reminder of the influence that social factors can have on our behavior. Understanding these concepts can help us to be more aware of the social pressures we face and make more informed decisions.
Bonus Notes
Psychology Essay Answers: Obedience to Authority
1. Role of Situational Variables:
Situational variables significantly influence obedience. These include factors like:
⭐Proximity of authority figure: Closer proximity increases obedience.
⭐Legitimacy of authority: Authority figures perceived as legitimate are more likely to be obeyed.
⭐Presence of dissenting peers: Disobedience by others reduces obedience.
⭐Personal responsibility: When individuals feel less personally responsible, obedience increases.
2. Agentic State:
The agentic state theory suggests individuals adopt an "agent" role, relinquishing responsibility to an authority figure. This explains obedience by:
⭐Shifting responsibility: Individuals see themselves as mere instruments of the authority.
⭐Reduced feelings of guilt: The agent feels less accountable for their actions.
However, this explanation is criticized for:
⭐Oversimplification: It neglects individual differences and complex motivations.
⭐Lack of explanatory power: It doesn't explain why some people resist authority.
3. Milgram vs. Zimbardo:
Both studies show the powerful influence of authority on behavior.
⭐Milgram: Focused on direct orders, highlighting the impact of situational pressure on obedience.
⭐Zimbardo: Investigated the influence of social roles and norms, showing how individuals adopt and internalize assigned roles.
4. Generalizability:
Research on obedience has limited generalizability to real-world situations due to:
⭐Artificiality of lab settings: Experiments lack the complexity and nuances of real-life situations.
⭐Specific context of studies: Findings might not apply to all social contexts or types of authority figures.
5. Ethical Implications:
Research on obedience raises significant ethical concerns:
⭐Psychological distress: Participants may experience emotional distress or long-term harm.
⭐Deception and lack of informed consent: Experiments often involve deception, which can violate ethical principles.
⭐Potential for misuse: Findings could be used to justify harmful actions or manipulative practices.
It's crucial to conduct such research ethically, minimizing harm and ensuring the well-being of participants.