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Updated Mar 16, 2026
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Understanding Obedience and Social Influence in Psychology
Megan Parsley
@meganparsley
1 / 5
Page 2: Agency Theory and Moral Strain
This section delves into obedience to authority theory through the lens of Agency Theory, explaining how individuals act as agents within social hierarchies.
Vocabulary: Agentic shift refers to the transition from autonomous decision-making to following authority figures.
Definition: Agentic state occurs when individuals act as agents following orders, while autonomous state represents independent decision-making.
Highlight: The theory helps explain historical events involving mass obedience to authority figures.
Page 3: Burger's Replication Study
Burger's study partially replicated Milgram's experiment to examine whether situational factors influence obedience to authority in the workplace and other contexts.
Example: Participants were given $50 and informed they could withdraw, with 70% continuing after 150V.
Highlight: The study included both genders and diverse ethnicities, addressing previous sampling limitations.
Quote: "70% continued after 150V, showing remarkable consistency with Milgram's original findings."
Page 4: Original Milgram Experiment
The original Milgram experiment investigated obedience to authority examples in everyday life through a controlled laboratory setting.
Definition: The experiment measured obedience levels through participants' willingness to administer electric shocks under authority's direction.
Example: All participants obeyed up to 300V, with 65% continuing to maximum voltage (450V).
Highlight: The study demonstrated how normal people might blindly obey authority figures despite moral reservations.
Page 5: Milgram Variations
Various experimental variations explored different aspects of obedience to authority psychology examples, including telephone conditions and ordinary man scenarios.
Example: In telephone condition variations, obedience decreased to 20.5% when authority figure wasn't physically present.
Highlight: Participants often found ways to resist while appearing compliant, such as giving lower voltages or skipping questions.
Quote: "Nearly all protested but continued when given orders over the phone."
Page 1: Social Impact Theory and Behavioral Influence
Social Impact Theory explores how individuals are influenced by others' actions, with the impact increasing as group numbers grow. The theory considers three key factors: strength, immediacy, and number of influencers.
Definition: Social Impact Theory examines how social forces affect individual behavior through multiple factors including source strength, immediacy, and number of influencers.
Example: The "looking up" experiment demonstrated social influence, where people stopped to look up when others did, particularly effective with 5-6 participants.
Highlight: The theory introduces the divisional effect concept, where social pressure is divided among multiple targets, leading to diffused responsibility.
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Most popular content: Milgram Experiment
Milgram's Obedience Study
Explore the groundbreaking 1963 Milgram experiment on obedience, which revealed the extent to which individuals comply with authority figures, even in morally challenging situations. This summary covers key concepts such as social pressure, destructive obedience, and the ethical implications of the study, making it essential for A-level psychology students.
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Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5
App Store
4.7/5
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
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
Understanding Obedience and Social Influence in Psychology
Megan Parsley
@meganparsley
A comprehensive exploration of social influence theory psychology and obedience to authority psychology, focusing on Milgram's groundbreaking experiments and subsequent research. The studies demonstrate how individuals respond to authority figures and social pressure, with particular emphasis on the agentic... Show more
Page 2: Agency Theory and Moral Strain
This section delves into obedience to authority theory through the lens of Agency Theory, explaining how individuals act as agents within social hierarchies.
Vocabulary: Agentic shift refers to the transition from autonomous decision-making to following authority figures.
Definition: Agentic state occurs when individuals act as agents following orders, while autonomous state represents independent decision-making.
Highlight: The theory helps explain historical events involving mass obedience to authority figures.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
Page 3: Burger's Replication Study
Burger's study partially replicated Milgram's experiment to examine whether situational factors influence obedience to authority in the workplace and other contexts.
Example: Participants were given $50 and informed they could withdraw, with 70% continuing after 150V.
Highlight: The study included both genders and diverse ethnicities, addressing previous sampling limitations.
Quote: "70% continued after 150V, showing remarkable consistency with Milgram's original findings."
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
Page 4: Original Milgram Experiment
The original Milgram experiment investigated obedience to authority examples in everyday life through a controlled laboratory setting.
Definition: The experiment measured obedience levels through participants' willingness to administer electric shocks under authority's direction.
Example: All participants obeyed up to 300V, with 65% continuing to maximum voltage (450V).
Highlight: The study demonstrated how normal people might blindly obey authority figures despite moral reservations.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
Page 5: Milgram Variations
Various experimental variations explored different aspects of obedience to authority psychology examples, including telephone conditions and ordinary man scenarios.
Example: In telephone condition variations, obedience decreased to 20.5% when authority figure wasn't physically present.
Highlight: Participants often found ways to resist while appearing compliant, such as giving lower voltages or skipping questions.
Quote: "Nearly all protested but continued when given orders over the phone."
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
Page 1: Social Impact Theory and Behavioral Influence
Social Impact Theory explores how individuals are influenced by others' actions, with the impact increasing as group numbers grow. The theory considers three key factors: strength, immediacy, and number of influencers.
Definition: Social Impact Theory examines how social forces affect individual behavior through multiple factors including source strength, immediacy, and number of influencers.
Example: The "looking up" experiment demonstrated social influence, where people stopped to look up when others did, particularly effective with 5-6 participants.
Highlight: The theory introduces the divisional effect concept, where social pressure is divided among multiple targets, leading to diffused responsibility.
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.
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Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5
App Store
4.7/5
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
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