Learn: Responses to People in Authority

Welcome!Today we'll learn about how people respond to authority. This is an important part of social psychology, and we'll look at key studies to understand behaviour in these situations.

What is Authority?Authority refers to the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. People often respond to authority figures differently than they would to others, which can influence their behaviour significantly. Understanding this helps psychologists explore why people obey even when it conflicts with their personal values.

Milgram's Study (1963)Milgram's study investigated obedience to authority. Participants were instructed to administer electric shocks to a learner (an actor) when they answered questions incorrectly. The study showed high levels of obedience, even when participants were visibly distressed.

Bocchiaro et al. (2012)Bocchiaro et al. expanded Milgram's work by studying disobedience and whistleblowing. Participants were asked to write a statement supporting unethical practices. Researchers observed whether they obeyed, disobeyed, or reported the unethical request.

Why Do People Obey?People obey for various reasons, including feeling pressured by authority, fear of consequences, and the belief that the authority figure is responsible for outcomes. Milgram's study highlighted the role of situational factors in obedience.

Situational FactorsSituational factors, such as proximity to the authority figure, legitimacy of the authority, and the environment, can increase obedience. For example, participants in Milgram's study were more likely to obey when the authority figure was physically present.

Review Time!Great work! You've learned about authority, key studies, and factors influencing obedience. Now let's test your understanding with a few questions.