Psychology · Year 10 · Social Influence · 5.º Período

Obedience and Situational Factors

This topic investigates the psychology of obedience, focusing on Milgram's agency theory. Students will discuss how situational factors such as proximity and authority figures impact obedient behaviour.

TL;DR:Obedience is a specific form of social influence where an individual follows a direct order from an authority figure. This topic focuses on Stanley Milgram's controversial research and his 'Agency Theory,' which explains how people can shift from an autonomous state (taking responsibility) to an agentic state (acting as an agent for someone else).

• National Curriculum Attainment Targets
• GCSE Psychology (AQA) 3.2.2.3: Obedience
• GCSE Psychology (AQA) 3.2.2.4: Milgram's agency theory

About This Topic

Obedience is a specific form of social influence where an individual follows a direct order from an authority figure. This topic focuses on Stanley Milgram's controversial research and his 'Agency Theory,' which explains how people can shift from an autonomous state (taking responsibility) to an agentic state (acting as an agent for someone else).

Students also explore situational factors that increase obedience, such as the proximity of the authority figure and the legitimacy of the setting. This unit is vital for understanding historical events and the 'banality of evil.' This topic comes alive when students can see the power of authority in action through role-plays and structured debates about the ethics of Milgram's work.

Key Questions

1. What is the agentic state?
2. How did Milgram test obedience to authority?
3. How do situational factors increase obedience?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Milgram's participants were 'evil' or 'cruel' people.

What to Teach Instead

Milgram's study showed that ordinary people are capable of extreme actions under the right situational pressures. A collaborative investigation into the 'banality of evil' helps students focus on the situation rather than the person.

Common Misconception

Obedience and conformity are the same thing.

What to Teach Instead

Conformity is following a group majority, while obedience is following a direct order from an authority. A Venn diagram activity can help students map out the similarities and differences between these two types of influence.

Active Learning Ideas

Role Play

The Agentic Shift

Students act out a workplace scenario where a manager gives an unethical order. They must role-play the transition from an autonomous state to an agentic state, discussing how it felt to 'just follow orders.'

35 min·Small Groups

Formal Debate

Milgram's Ethics

Divide the class into two teams: one defending Milgram's study for its scientific value and the other condemning it for the psychological harm caused to participants. They must use the BPS guidelines to support their arguments.

45 min·Whole Class

Stations Rotation

Situational Factors

Stations represent Milgram's variations: 'Change of Location,' 'Proximity of Teacher,' and 'Uniform.' Students must predict how obedience levels changed in each variation and then check the actual results.

30 min·Small Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the agentic state in Milgram's theory?

The agentic state is a mental state where an individual no longer feels responsible for their own actions because they believe they are acting as an 'agent' for an authority figure. This allows them to obey orders that may go against their personal morals.

How did proximity affect obedience in Milgram's study?

Milgram found that obedience decreased as the 'teacher' got closer to the 'learner.' When they were in the same room, obedience dropped to 40%. Conversely, when the authority figure gave orders over the phone, obedience dropped significantly.

What is legitimate authority?

Legitimate authority is the belief that someone has a rightful power over us based on their position in a social hierarchy (like a teacher, police officer, or doctor). We are more likely to obey people we perceive as having this status.

How can active learning help students understand obedience?

Active learning, such as role-playing the 'agentic shift,' helps students understand the psychological transition that occurs when following orders. It makes the abstract concept of 'agency' tangible and helps them empathise with the participants in Milgram's research.