Dispositional explanation

• What are the two states of obedience described in the study material?

  Agentic state and autonomous state
• What is meant by the term 'agentic state'?


  It refers to a state where individuals see themselves as agents executing another person's wishes.
• What does 'autonomous state' mean in the context of obedience?


  It refers to a state where individuals act according to their own values and beliefs.
• What are binding factors in the context of obedience?


  • Factors that reduce the moral strain of obeying authority
  • Help individuals justify their actions
• How does the concept of 'legitimacy of authority' relate to obedience?


  It suggests that individuals are more likely to obey figures they perceive as legitimate authorities.
• What is meant by 'destructive authority'?


  It refers to authority that leads individuals to commit harmful acts.
• How does the My Lai massacre illustrate the concepts of obedience?


  • It shows how individuals can commit atrocities under perceived legitimate authority.
  • Highlights the role of agentic state in justifying harmful actions.
• What is a strength of Milgram's studies regarding obedience?


  They reported high levels of obedience among participants.
• What limitation is associated with Milgram's studies on obedience?


  Participants were not thoroughly debriefed after the experiments.
• What does the term 'agentic shift' refer to?


  It refers to the transition from an autonomous state to an agentic state.
• How does the agentic shift relate to participants' behavior in Milgram's studies?


  Participants acted more readily when they perceived they were not responsible for their actions.
• What is a limitation of the agentic state explanation for obedience?


  It does not explain all findings related to obedience.
• What contradictory finding did Ross and La Croix (1968) present regarding obedience?


  They found that nurses helped patients despite the authority of doctors.
• How does the legitimacy of authority explain cultural differences in obedience?


  It accounts for variations in obedience levels across different cultures.
• What was the percentage of Australian participants who went all the way up to 450 volts in Kilham and Mann's study?


  Only 16% of Australian participants were fully obedient.
• What does the term 'disobedience' refer to in the context of authority structures?


  It refers to the refusal to follow orders from authority figures.
• What does the study of Milgram's participants reveal about obedience in hierarchical structures?


  Many participants actively resisted despite clear authority.
• How does the concept of 'real-world crimes of obedience' relate to historical events?


  It examines how individuals obey authority in extreme situations, such as during the Holocaust.
• What methods could a psychologist use to select a sample of participants for an obedience study?


  • Random sampling: Every individual has an equal chance of being selected.
  • Stratified sampling: Participants are selected based on specific characteristics to reflect the population.
• What is one strength of using a convenience sample in research?


  It is quick and easy to gather participants.
• What is one limitation of using a convenience sample?


  It may not be representative of the larger population.
• What are closed questions in a questionnaire?


  Closed questions are those that provide specific options for responses.
• What are open questions in a questionnaire?


  Open questions allow respondents to answer in their own words.
• Give an example of a closed question.


  Do you agree with the statement? (Yes/No)
• Give an example of an open question.


  What are your thoughts on the role of authority in society?
• If a psychologist distributed 200 questionnaires and collected 150 completed ones, what percentage of completed questionnaires would that be?


  $75\%$
• If a psychologist distributed 200 questionnaires and collected 100 completed ones, what percentage of completed questionnaires would that be?


  $50\%$
• What is a good way to evaluate an explanation in an essay?


  • Integrate evidence systematically into your argument.
  • Relate evidence to the theory being described.
  • Discuss limitations and alternative explanations.
• What does 'agentic state' mean in the context of Milgram's research?


  It means participants felt they were merely following orders and not responsible for their actions.
• What is one limitation of the agentic state explanation for obedience according to Milgram's research?


  It does not account for all instances of disobedience observed in the studies.
• How does the behavior of German Reserve Police Battalion 101 challenge the agentic state explanation?


  They felt they were following orders but still committed atrocities, questioning the absoluteness of the agentic state.
• What does the term 'cultural differences in obedience' refer to?


  It refers to variations in obedience levels across different cultures.
• What is the significance of the My Lai massacre in the study of obedience?


  It exemplifies how individuals can commit heinous acts under the influence of perceived legitimate authority.
• What is the purpose of the obedience survey mentioned in the study material?


  To assess students' attitudes towards obedience and factors influencing it.
• What is the importance of integrating evidence into an argument when evaluating an explanation?


  It strengthens the argument by showing how evidence supports or challenges the theory.
• What is the significance of the check questions in the study material?


  They assess understanding of key concepts like agentic state and legitimacy of authority.
• What is the role of authority in obedience according to the study material?


  Authority figures can significantly influence individuals' willingness to obey commands.