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24
0
E
Erica
7/10/2025
Psychology
Obedience: Social-psychological factors
Cultural Differences and Real-Life Applications of Obedience Theories
This page delves deeper into the factors affecting obedience psychology, particularly focusing on cultural differences and real-life applications of obedience theories.
The legitimacy of authority explanation proves useful in accounting for cultural differences in obedience. Various studies have shown that cultures differ significantly in their levels of obedience.
Example: Kilham and Mann's 1974 replication of Milgram's study in Australia found only 16% of participants went to maximum voltage, while Matell's 1971 study in Germany showed 85% of German participants reached the maximum.
These cross-cultural findings increase the validity of the legitimacy of authority explanation, highlighting the importance of cultural context in understanding obedience.
However, some research challenges the simplicity of authority-based explanations. The 'obedience alibi' has been revisited in light of historical events.
Highlight: Mandell's 1998 description of a German police battalion obeying orders to shoot civilians, even when given other options, demonstrates that situational factors affecting obedience can be more complex than simple authority dynamics.
The concept of real-life crimes of obedience extends the discussion to understanding how obedience can lead to atrocities and wars.
Example: Kelman and Hamilton's 1989 analysis of the US Army hierarchy in relation to the My Lai Massacre provides insight into how legitimacy of authority and cultural differences in obedience can contribute to extreme acts.
This page emphasizes the importance of considering multiple factors, including cultural context and real-world applications, when studying obedience in psychology. It highlights the complexity of human behavior in obedience situations and the need for nuanced understanding in social psychology research.
Agentic State and Obedience in Social Psychology
This page explores psychological factors affecting obedience in social influence, focusing on Milgram's concept of the agentic state and related theories.
The agentic state is a key concept in understanding obedience. Milgram proposed that people obey when they do not take responsibility for their actions, believing they are acting as an agent for someone else. This is contrasted with the autonomous state, where individuals are free to behave as they wish and take responsibility for their actions.
Definition: The agentic shift is the transition from autonomy to 'agency', occurring when a person perceives someone else as a figure of authority based on their position in the social hierarchy.
Milgram also introduced the concept of binding factors, which prevent a person from leaving a situation and allow them to ignore the effects of their behavior, reducing moral strain.
Example: Blass and Schmitt's 2001 study showed students a film of Milgram's experiment. The students felt the experimenter was responsible, not the participant, due to legitimate and expert authority.
While the agentic state theory provides valuable insights, it has limitations. It doesn't fully explain why some participants did not obey in Milgram's experiments, suggesting it can only account for some situations of obedience.
The concept of legitimacy of authority is also introduced, explaining how hierarchical societal structures grant certain individuals authority over others. This legitimate authority, agreed upon by society, allows some people to punish others.
Highlight: The legitimacy of authority concept is crucial in understanding obedience in social psychology and how it can be used for both constructive and destructive purposes.
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Stefan S
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
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Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
All About Obedience: Why We Follow Rules in Social Groups
This document discusses key concepts in social psychology related to obedience and social influence. It explores theories and research on factors affecting obedience, including the agentic state, legitimacy of authority, and cultural differences.
Key points:
- Milgram's concept of agentic state... Show more
Cultural Differences and Real-Life Applications of Obedience Theories
This page delves deeper into the factors affecting obedience psychology, particularly focusing on cultural differences and real-life applications of obedience theories.
The legitimacy of authority explanation proves useful in accounting for cultural differences in obedience. Various studies have shown that cultures differ significantly in their levels of obedience.
Example: Kilham and Mann's 1974 replication of Milgram's study in Australia found only 16% of participants went to maximum voltage, while Matell's 1971 study in Germany showed 85% of German participants reached the maximum.
These cross-cultural findings increase the validity of the legitimacy of authority explanation, highlighting the importance of cultural context in understanding obedience.
However, some research challenges the simplicity of authority-based explanations. The 'obedience alibi' has been revisited in light of historical events.
Highlight: Mandell's 1998 description of a German police battalion obeying orders to shoot civilians, even when given other options, demonstrates that situational factors affecting obedience can be more complex than simple authority dynamics.
The concept of real-life crimes of obedience extends the discussion to understanding how obedience can lead to atrocities and wars.
Example: Kelman and Hamilton's 1989 analysis of the US Army hierarchy in relation to the My Lai Massacre provides insight into how legitimacy of authority and cultural differences in obedience can contribute to extreme acts.
This page emphasizes the importance of considering multiple factors, including cultural context and real-world applications, when studying obedience in psychology. It highlights the complexity of human behavior in obedience situations and the need for nuanced understanding in social psychology research.
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Agentic State and Obedience in Social Psychology
This page explores psychological factors affecting obedience in social influence, focusing on Milgram's concept of the agentic state and related theories.
The agentic state is a key concept in understanding obedience. Milgram proposed that people obey when they do not take responsibility for their actions, believing they are acting as an agent for someone else. This is contrasted with the autonomous state, where individuals are free to behave as they wish and take responsibility for their actions.
Definition: The agentic shift is the transition from autonomy to 'agency', occurring when a person perceives someone else as a figure of authority based on their position in the social hierarchy.
Milgram also introduced the concept of binding factors, which prevent a person from leaving a situation and allow them to ignore the effects of their behavior, reducing moral strain.
Example: Blass and Schmitt's 2001 study showed students a film of Milgram's experiment. The students felt the experimenter was responsible, not the participant, due to legitimate and expert authority.
While the agentic state theory provides valuable insights, it has limitations. It doesn't fully explain why some participants did not obey in Milgram's experiments, suggesting it can only account for some situations of obedience.
The concept of legitimacy of authority is also introduced, explaining how hierarchical societal structures grant certain individuals authority over others. This legitimate authority, agreed upon by society, allows some people to punish others.
Highlight: The legitimacy of authority concept is crucial in understanding obedience in social psychology and how it can be used for both constructive and destructive purposes.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
You have the choice, we offer a 100% secure payment via PayPal or an Amazon gift card. There is no limit to how much you can earn.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user