1.6.2 Legitimacy of Authority

• Briefly describe the experimental setup depicted in the image.

  • Three individuals: Experimenter, Subject, and Fake Test Subject.
  • The subject administers shocks.
  • The Fake Test Subject pretends to feel pain.
  • The experimenter urges the subject onward.
• What were the key elements that contributed to obedience in Milgram's study?

  • Experimenter's legitimate authority
  • Appearance (white coat and clipboard)
  • Persistent urging ("Please continue")
  • Social pressure to comply
• What is the role of the experimenter in the experiment shown?

  The experimenter urges the participant (the subject administering shocks) to keep going.
• What is the significance of legitimacy of authority in social contexts?

  • It establishes a framework for obedience
  • It fosters respect for leadership roles
  • It influences behavior in structured environments
• What factors affect the legitimacy of authority?

  • Social context
  • Uniforms
• What role does the "Fake Test Subject" play in the experiment?

  Pretends to feel pain
• What are the roles of the fake test subject and the actual subject in this experiment?

  • Fake Test Subject: Pretends to feel pain when shocks are administered.
  • Subject: Administers shocks to the fake test subject.
• How does social context influence the legitimacy of authority?

  We accept authority more in certain situations
• What role do uniforms play in authority legitimacy?

  Uniforms signify legitimacy and authority
• Why might someone obey a person in a uniform?

  Because it represents authority and legitimacy
• What is the definition of legitimacy of authority?

  Acceptance of authority in specific contexts
• What are the reasons people obey legitimate authority figures?

  • Respect for position
  • Trust in competence
  • Social norms of obedience
• What did participants do in Milgram's study?

  Delivered electric shocks as instructed
• What are the implications of uniforms on authority perception in society?

  • Enhances perceived legitimacy
  • Increases likelihood of obedience
  • Influences social interactions
• How might a person's response differ when approached by someone in a uniform versus someone not in a uniform?

  They may obey the uniformed person more readily
• What is the role of the "Experimenter" in the experiment?

  Urges the participant to continue
• In what situation are we more likely to accept authority?

  A police officer on duty
• Why do students obey teachers in classrooms?

  They recognize the teacher's authority and competence
• Why do we respect authority figures?

  Because they hold a valid position of power
• Why are people more likely to obey legitimate authority figures?

  They perceive them as having the right to command
• What action is the "Subject" performing in the experiment?

  Administers shocks
• What does "Legitimacy of Authority" mean?

  Acceptance of authority figures' right to instruct
• What is a legitimate authority figure?

  An individual recognized as having authority
• How did the experimenter's appearance influence participants?

  It reinforced their legitimate authority
• What does legitimacy of authority help explain in terms of behavior?

  It helps explain obedience to authority.
• What is the key takeaway regarding legitimate authority and obedience?

  Legitimate authority increases the likelihood of obedience
• What are the limitations of legitimacy of authority in explaining obedience?

  • Doesn't explain disobedience to authority
  • Fails to account for moral values
  • Ignores resistance to social influence
• What is a limitation of legitimacy of authority as an explanation for obedience?

  It doesn't explain why some disobey authority.
• Why do employees follow their managers' instructions?

  To ensure the company runs smoothly
• What societal expectation does the explanation of legitimacy of authority struggle with?

  It struggles with the expectation of obedience.
• What other factors are mentioned that influence obedience or disobedience?

  Moral values and resistance to social influence.
• In Milgram's Obedience Study, why did participants follow instructions?

  They believed the experimenter had authority
• In Milgram's experiment, what percentage of participants fully obeyed?

  65%
• Why do people obey police officers?

  Because they have legitimate authority to enforce laws
• What is meant by legitimate authority?

  Authority recognized as valid and rightful
• What does the 35% non-obedience in Milgram's experiment suggest?

  Other factors influence obedience beyond authority.
• What role did social pressure play in Milgram's study?

  It encouraged participants to obey the experimenter
• What was the main focus of Milgram's famous study?

  Obedience to authority
• Why do participants obey in Milgram's experiment?

  They see the experimenter as a legitimate authority figure
• How does the legitimacy of authority apply in a classroom setting?

  Students listen to teachers due to their authority