1.7.1 Authoritarian Personality

• What is the definition of Authoritarian Personality?

  A psychological profile with rigid values
• What is a potential reaction of someone with an Authoritarian Personality to challenges to authority?

  They view challenges as unacceptable
• What characterizes the Authoritarian Personality?

  Rigid adherence to traditional values and respect for authority
• What is a key characteristic of the Authoritarian Personality regarding authority?

  Strong belief in obeying leaders
• What are the key findings and significance of Elms & Milgram's study (1966)?

  • Key Findings: Obedient participants scored higher on the California F-scale.
  • Significance: Strengthens the connection between authoritarianism and obedience.
• What are the key traits of Authoritarian Personality?

  • Strong respect for authority
  • Intolerance of difference
  • Rigid adherence to traditional values
  • Belief in hierarchical structures
• What is a common attitude of individuals with an Authoritarian Personality towards diversity?

  They show intolerance towards differences
• How might an individual with an Authoritarian Personality behave at work?

  They strictly obey instructions from their boss
• How does limited exposure to diverse perspectives affect children's beliefs?

  It reinforces their intolerance of differences
• What might children raised with strict discipline expect from others?

  They expect others to adhere to traditional values
• What belief is common among individuals with an Authoritarian Personality?

  Belief in hierarchical structures
• What do people with an Authoritarian Personality prefer in terms of societal structure?

  Clear rules and a hierarchical society
• What parenting behavior can foster authoritarian traits in children?

  Strictly enforcing chores and rules
• What overall conclusion can be drawn from the studies by Milgram and Elms & Milgram regarding personality and obedience?

  Personality influences obedience to authority figures
• What is the impact of demanding compliance without discussion in parenting?

  It fosters authoritarian traits in children
• What is the main focus of the Authoritarian Personality explanation?

  It explains obedience through personality traits
• What scale did Elms & Milgram use to measure authoritarian traits?

  California F-scale
• How do people with an Authoritarian Personality view traditional values?


  They stick to traditional beliefs
• In what way does strict parenting affect children's tolerance towards differences?

  It makes them less tolerant of differences
• What did Milgram (1963) find regarding participants with high authoritarianism scores?

  They were more likely to administer high shocks
• What is a major criticism regarding causal evidence in the Authoritarian Personality explanation?

  It's hard to prove authoritarianism causes obedience
• What is a characteristic of children conditioned to obey rules from a young age?

  They adhere strongly to traditional values
• What could bias the F-scale according to critics?

  Leading questions may introduce bias
• What significantly shapes the likelihood of developing an authoritarian personality?

  Upbringing
• How might situational pressure influence obedience according to critics of the Authoritarian Personality explanation?

  People might obey due to situational pressure
• How does strict parenting influence a child's mindset towards authority?

  It creates respect for authority without question
• How do people with Authoritarian Personality view differences?

  They are intolerant of difference
• What are the key findings and significance of Milgram's study (1963)?

  • Key Findings: High authoritarianism linked to high shock levels.
  • Significance: Indicates a link between personality traits and obedience.
• What is the term used to describe individuals who are more likely to obey authority figures?

  Authoritarian Personality
• How did Elms & Milgram (1966) confirm Milgram's findings?

  By showing obedient participants scored higher on the F-scale
• How might someone with an Authoritarian Personality behave regarding government policies?

  • Strictly follow government policies
  • Expect others to comply as well
  • View deviations as disobedience
• What is a key trait of someone with an Authoritarian Personality?

  Strong respect for authority
• Why is the Authoritarian Personality explanation considered oversimplified?

  It ignores the complexity of obedience contexts
• What does the California F-scale indicate in the context of obedience studies?

  It measures authoritarian traits in individuals
• What methodological issue is associated with the California F-scale?

  Its wording and potential bias have been criticized