Identify two factors that have been shown to affect obedience to authority. Briefly discuss how each of these factors affects obedience to authority. (Total 6 marks)

Model Answer

One factor is proximity. Milgram found that obedience rates decreased from 65% to 40% when the experimenter gave instructions from another room. This shows that physical distance reduces the authority figure’s influence.

Another factor is uniform. In Bickman’s study, participants were more likely to obey someone dressed as a guard compared to a civilian. This demonstrates that symbols of authority, such as uniforms, increase obedience.