•

14 Jan 2026

•

2 pages

All About Obedience: Why We Follow Rules in Social Groups

Erica

@erica4

This document discusses key concepts in social psychology related to... Show more

Social Influence

OBEDIENCE: SOCIAL-PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS

Paper 1

A01

Agentic state

- Milgram proposed people obey when they do not take

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.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Most popular content in Psychology

Comprehensive Research Methods

Explore essential research methods in psychology, including experimental designs, types of experiments, observations, interviews, and ethical considerations. This summary covers key concepts such as independent and dependent variables, validity, reliability, and statistical significance, tailored for A Level AQA Psychology students.

Psychology

Biopsychology Key Concepts

Explore essential biopsychology concepts including circadian rhythms, brain structure, and neurobiology. This comprehensive summary covers the nervous system, hormonal coordination, and the impact of brain plasticity on behavior. Ideal for AQA A Level Psychology revision.

Psychology

A Level AQA Biopsychology Content Mindmap

Biopsychology Content Mind Maps, DOES NOT CONTAIN RESEARCH OR EVALUATION

Psychology

AQA Psychology: Memory Insights

Explore key concepts in the AQA Psychology memory topic, including the Multi Store Model, types of memory, eyewitness testimony, and the Working Memory Model. This summary covers essential theories, studies, and evaluations, providing a comprehensive overview for effective exam preparation.

Psychology

Theories of Romantic Relationships

Explore key theories and concepts in romantic relationships, including Social Exchange Theory, Equity Theory, and Duck's Phase Model. Understand factors affecting attraction such as self-disclosure, physical attractiveness, and the dynamics of virtual and parasocial relationships. This comprehensive summary is essential for AQA A Level Psychology students.

Psychology

Paper 2 - Approaches in Psychology ღ

ღ AQA A Level Psychology notes. ღ Covers AO1 + AO3 of: Origins of Psychology, Behaviourist Approach, Social Learning Theory, Cognitive Approach, Biological Approach, Humanistic Approach and Psychodynamic Approach ღ Any Qs, comment!! <3

Psychology

Key Concepts in Social Influence

Explore essential theories and experiments in social influence, including conformity, obedience, and minority influence. This summary covers key studies like Milgram's experiment, Asch's conformity tests, and the Stanford prison experiment, providing a comprehensive overview for AQA A Level psychology students.

Psychology

Social Influence Overview

Explore key concepts in social influence, including conformity, obedience, and minority influence. This comprehensive summary covers essential studies such as Milgram's experiment, Asch's conformity tests, and the Stanford prison experiment, providing insights into the psychological mechanisms behind social behavior. Ideal for A-Level revision.

Psychology

Psychology Approaches Overview

Comprehensive notes on key psychological approaches including the Psychodynamic and Humanistic theories. This resource covers essential concepts, evaluations, and applications, making it ideal for exam preparation. Key topics include Freud's psychosexual stages, defense mechanisms, Maslow's hierarchy of needs, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Psychology

Most popular content

An Inspector Calls: Character Insights

Explore in-depth analysis and key quotes for characters in J.B. Priestley's 'An Inspector Calls'. This resource covers Gerald Croft, Inspector Goole, Sheila Birling, Mrs. Birling, Eric Birling, and Eva Smith, focusing on themes of class, gender roles, and social responsibility. Ideal for students aiming for Grade 8 and above.

English Literature

aqa higher tier combined science - biology b1 : cell biology, paper 1

b1: cell biology - paper 1

Biology

Comprehensive Crime & Deviance Overview

Explore an extensive revision of crime and deviance topics, including theories, types of crime, and the impact of media. This resource covers key concepts such as Marxism, functionalism, gender and crime, and the influence of globalization on criminal behavior. Ideal for students seeking a thorough understanding of criminology and its various theories. Type: Full Topic Revision.

Sociology

Sociology of Families: Comprehensive Revision

Dive into an extensive overview of family dynamics, perspectives, and patterns in sociology. This resource covers key concepts such as family diversity, gender roles, marriage, and the impact of social policies on family structures. Perfect for A-Level Sociology students preparing for Paper 2.

Sociology

Sociology of Education Overview

Explore comprehensive A-Level Sociology notes on the education system, covering key theories, policies, and sociological perspectives. This resource includes insights on marketisation, gender roles, cultural deprivation, and educational inequalities, providing a thorough understanding of how education shapes social stratification and individual achievement. Ideal for exam preparation and in-depth study.

Sociology

Macbeth: Guilt and Ambition

Explore the complex themes of guilt and ambition in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'. This analysis covers key characters, including Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, their moral dilemmas, and the tragic consequences of their ambition. Ideal for students studying character motivations, thematic elements, and the psychological impact of power. Includes insights on the natural order, manipulation, and the descent into madness.

English Literature

Criminal Justice Evidence Rules

Explore the essential rules governing the use of evidence in criminal cases, including reliability, admissibility, and relevance. This summary covers key concepts such as the roles of personnel in investigations, the impact of witness testimonies, and the implications of plea bargaining. Ideal for Year 13 criminology students preparing for assessments.

Criminology

Biology Paper 1 Overview

Comprehensive study notes covering key concepts in cellular biology, human digestion, respiration, photosynthesis, and the circulatory system. This resource includes detailed explanations of cell structures, enzyme functions, nutrient absorption, and the impact of environmental factors on biological processes. Ideal for students preparing for Biology Paper 1 exams.

Biology

Key Quotes from Macbeth

Explore essential quotes from Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' that highlight key themes such as ambition, guilt, and deception. This analysis includes significant lines from characters like Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, along with their context in the play. Ideal for students studying character development and thematic elements in literature.

English Literature

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

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

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

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. 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 apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

Stefan S

iOS user

Samantha Klich

Android user

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Basil

Android user

David K

iOS user

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

Rohan U

Android user

Xander S

iOS user

Elisha

iOS user

Paul T

iOS user

Psychology

•

758

•

14 Jan 2026

•

2 pages

All About Obedience: Why We Follow Rules in Social Groups

Erica

@erica4

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

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

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.

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

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.

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.

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.