Obedience

    AQA
    A-Level

    The study of Obedience within Social Influence examines the mechanisms by which individuals comply with the demands of an authority figure, often conflicting with personal conscience. Central to this is Milgram's paradigm (1963), which shifted focus from dispositional to situational explanations, including proximity, location, and uniform. Candidates must assess social-psychological factors (Agentic State, Legitimacy of Authority) alongside dispositional theories (Authoritarian Personality). Critical evaluation requires analysis of methodological validity, ethical breaches (Baumrind), and the historical validity of findings in contemporary society.

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    Objectives
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    Exam Tips
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    Pitfalls
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    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Accurate description of Milgram's baseline procedure (1963) and specific findings (65% to 450v)
    • Differentiation between situational variables (external) and dispositional explanations (internal)
    • Evaluation must address validity (ecological/internal) and ethical issues (deception/protection from harm) with counter-arguments
    • Application (AO2) must explicitly link the stem's scenario to theoretical concepts like 'binding factors' or 'legitimacy'

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You have described the study in detail, but the question required an explanation of *why* people obey—focus on the Agentic State"
    • "Your evaluation is generic; link the ethical criticism specifically to the impact on the validity of the findings"
    • "Excellent identification of the 'uniform' variable, but you must explicitly quote the scenario to secure AO2 marks"
    • "Strengthen your analysis of the Authoritarian Personality by discussing the methodological limitations of the F-scale (acquiescence bias)"

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Accurate description of Milgram's baseline procedure (1963) and specific findings (65% to 450v)
    • Differentiation between situational variables (external) and dispositional explanations (internal)
    • Evaluation must address validity (ecological/internal) and ethical issues (deception/protection from harm) with counter-arguments
    • Application (AO2) must explicitly link the stem's scenario to theoretical concepts like 'binding factors' or 'legitimacy'

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡When asked for 'variables', focus on Proximity, Location, and Uniform; when asked for 'explanations', focus on Agentic State or Legitimacy
    • 💡In 16-mark essays, limit AO1 description to 6 marks (approx. 150 words) to allow sufficient time for AO3 evaluation
    • 💡Use the 'PEEL' structure for evaluation: Point, Evidence/Example, Explain (implication), Link back
    • 💡For AO2 application questions, quote the specific text from the item that triggers the psychological concept

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Confusing 'conformity' research (Asch) with 'obedience' research (Milgram)
    • Describing the procedure of the study when the question asks for 'explanations' of obedience
    • Providing generic ethical criticisms without discussing the cost-benefit analysis or debriefing
    • Failing to distinguish between 'Agentic State' and 'Legitimacy of Authority' as distinct concepts

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

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