Situational factors for obedience

• What are situational factors affecting obedience?

  Location, proximity, and uniform
• What is the significance of location in obedience studies?

  • Location relates to where the experiment is conducted.
  • More prestigious locations increase perceived authority.
  • Example: Milgram's study in a rundown office decreased obedience from 65% to 47.5%.
• How does a more prestigious location affect obedience levels?

  It increases the legitimacy of authority
• What was the obedience percentage in Milgram's study conducted in a rundown office building?

  47.5%
• What does proximity refer to in the context of obedience?

  • Proximity refers to the distance between authority figures and those obeying orders.
  • Closer proximity to the learner decreases obedience.
  • Example: Teacher and learner in the same room resulted in 40% obedience.
• How does increasing the distance between the authority figure and the person obeying affect obedience?

  It decreases the authority's power, reducing obedience
• What was the obedience percentage when the experimenter gave orders over the phone?

  20.5%
• What was the obedience percentage when the teacher had to force the learner's hand onto the shock plate?

  30%
• How does uniform affect obedience?

  • Uniform signifies authority and power.
  • Example: Obedience dropped to 20% when the experimenter was in ordinary clothes.
  • A uniform can increase perceived legitimacy of authority.
• What happens to obedience levels when an authority figure is not in uniform?

  Obedience decreases significantly
• What are some strengths of Milgram's obedience study variations?

  • Supported by other field research (e.g., Bickman, 1974).
  • High internal validity due to controlled variables.
  • Systematic alteration of one variable at a time.
• What did Bickman's study in 1974 find regarding uniforms and obedience?

  People were twice as likely to obey a confederate dressed as a security guard
• What criticism did some have regarding Milgram's findings on obedience?

  It provides an "obedience alibi" for evil behavior
• What are some criticisms of Milgram's obedience study?

  • Provides an "obedience alibi" for harmful actions.
  • Could affect the criminal justice system by relieving blame.
  • Some factors may have more influence than others.
• How did the change in location affect obedience compared to changes in proximity?

  Location change decreased obedience from 65% to 47.5%, while proximity change dropped it to 20%
• What can be concluded about the influence of situational factors on obedience?

  • Both proximity and location influence obedience.
  • Different factors may carry different weights in their effects.
  • Uniforms enhance perceived authority and obedience.