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DT
09/07/2022
Psychology
AQA Psychology A-level, Social influence, Essay 6: Describe and evaluate one or more explanations of obedience - (social psychological explanations e.g. Legitimacy of authority and/ or agentic state)
615
•
9 Jul 2022
•
DT
@djt9
This essay discusses explanations for obedience in AQA A Level... Show more
This page evaluates the strengths and limitations of the legitimacy of authority and agentic state theories as explanations for obedience in A Level Psychology.
Research supports the legitimacy of authority explanation:
Example: In a study where students watched Milgram's experiment, they attributed responsibility to the experimenter rather than participants, citing legitimate and expert authority as reasons.
This evidence suggests that people recognize legitimacy of authority as a valid cause of obedience.
The legitimacy of authority explanation effectively accounts for cultural variations in obedience:
Highlight: Cross-cultural studies show significant differences in obedience levels, such as 16% compliance in Australia versus 85% in Germany.
This strength demonstrates the explanation's external validity and ability to explain diverse research findings.
The agentic state theory has limitations in explaining certain research outcomes:
These limitations suggest that the agentic state theory may only apply to specific obedience situations, reducing its overall validity.
Both explanations have significant real-world applications, enhancing their relevance:
Example: The My Lai Massacre (1968) during the Vietnam War can be understood using these theories, particularly in relation to military hierarchy and the defense of "following orders."
This application demonstrates the external validity of both explanations in understanding real-life instances of destructive obedience.
This page concludes the discussion on social psychological explanations of obedience and provides additional insights for AQA A Level Psychology students.
The legitimacy of authority and agentic state theories offer valuable insights into obedience:
While these explanations are useful, it's important to consider their limitations:
Highlight: A comprehensive understanding of obedience requires considering multiple theories and their interactions.
For AQA A Level Psychology students, these explanations open up several areas for further exploration:
Example: Studying modern examples of obedience, such as corporate whistleblowing or social media influence, could provide new insights into these theories.
When preparing for AQA A Level Psychology exams on this topic:
Vocabulary: Dispositional explanation - An approach that focuses on individual personality traits as factors in obedience.
Understanding these explanations of obedience is crucial for developing a comprehensive view of social influence in psychology.
This page introduces two social psychological explanations of obedience: legitimacy of authority and agentic state theory. These theories are crucial for understanding obedience in AQA A Level Psychology.
Legitimacy of authority explains obedience as a response to perceived social control. People obey those they view as legitimate authority figures based on factors such as uniform, location, and proximity. This explanation suggests that obedience occurs as individuals fulfill their perceived duty within social hierarchies.
Definition: A legitimate authority figure is someone perceived to be in a position of social control within a situation.
The theory posits that potentially harmful commands are more likely to be obeyed when they occur within an institutional structure, such as the military.
Agentic state theory, proposed by Milgram, explains obedience through the concept of shifting responsibility.
Vocabulary: An agentic state is when an individual gives up some free will and sees themselves as an agent of an authority figure.
Key points of agentic state theory include:
Highlight: The agentic state theory suggests that people may adopt this state to maintain a positive self-image.
This explanation provides insight into how individuals can engage in destructive obedience while minimizing personal guilt.
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.
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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 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 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 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 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
DT
@djt9
This essay discusses explanations for obedience in AQA A Level Psychology, focusing on social-psychological factors. It covers two main theories: legitimacy of authority and agentic state theory. The essay evaluates these explanations using research evidence and real-world applications.
Key... Show more
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This page evaluates the strengths and limitations of the legitimacy of authority and agentic state theories as explanations for obedience in A Level Psychology.
Research supports the legitimacy of authority explanation:
Example: In a study where students watched Milgram's experiment, they attributed responsibility to the experimenter rather than participants, citing legitimate and expert authority as reasons.
This evidence suggests that people recognize legitimacy of authority as a valid cause of obedience.
The legitimacy of authority explanation effectively accounts for cultural variations in obedience:
Highlight: Cross-cultural studies show significant differences in obedience levels, such as 16% compliance in Australia versus 85% in Germany.
This strength demonstrates the explanation's external validity and ability to explain diverse research findings.
The agentic state theory has limitations in explaining certain research outcomes:
These limitations suggest that the agentic state theory may only apply to specific obedience situations, reducing its overall validity.
Both explanations have significant real-world applications, enhancing their relevance:
Example: The My Lai Massacre (1968) during the Vietnam War can be understood using these theories, particularly in relation to military hierarchy and the defense of "following orders."
This application demonstrates the external validity of both explanations in understanding real-life instances of destructive obedience.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This page concludes the discussion on social psychological explanations of obedience and provides additional insights for AQA A Level Psychology students.
The legitimacy of authority and agentic state theories offer valuable insights into obedience:
While these explanations are useful, it's important to consider their limitations:
Highlight: A comprehensive understanding of obedience requires considering multiple theories and their interactions.
For AQA A Level Psychology students, these explanations open up several areas for further exploration:
Example: Studying modern examples of obedience, such as corporate whistleblowing or social media influence, could provide new insights into these theories.
When preparing for AQA A Level Psychology exams on this topic:
Vocabulary: Dispositional explanation - An approach that focuses on individual personality traits as factors in obedience.
Understanding these explanations of obedience is crucial for developing a comprehensive view of social influence in psychology.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This page introduces two social psychological explanations of obedience: legitimacy of authority and agentic state theory. These theories are crucial for understanding obedience in AQA A Level Psychology.
Legitimacy of authority explains obedience as a response to perceived social control. People obey those they view as legitimate authority figures based on factors such as uniform, location, and proximity. This explanation suggests that obedience occurs as individuals fulfill their perceived duty within social hierarchies.
Definition: A legitimate authority figure is someone perceived to be in a position of social control within a situation.
The theory posits that potentially harmful commands are more likely to be obeyed when they occur within an institutional structure, such as the military.
Agentic state theory, proposed by Milgram, explains obedience through the concept of shifting responsibility.
Vocabulary: An agentic state is when an individual gives up some free will and sees themselves as an agent of an authority figure.
Key points of agentic state theory include:
Highlight: The agentic state theory suggests that people may adopt this state to maintain a positive self-image.
This explanation provides insight into how individuals can engage in destructive obedience while minimizing personal guilt.
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.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
App Store
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 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 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 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 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