Briefly discuss the Authoritarian Personality as an explanation for obedience to authority. (4 marks)

Model Answer

The Authoritarian Personality is a dispositional explanation proposed by Adorno et al. It suggests that individuals with this personality type have rigid beliefs, are highly respectful of authority, and hostile toward those they perceive as inferior. Adorno found that strict and punitive parenting during childhood contributes to the development of this personality.

 Evidence from Milgram’s study supports this explanation, as participants with higher scores on the F-scale were more likely to obey. However, this explanation cannot account for widespread obedience, suggesting situational factors also play a significant role.