Outline the authoritarian personality as an explanation of obedience. (Total 4 marks)

Model Answer

The authoritarian personality is a dispositional explanation of obedience, proposed by Adorno et al. People with this personality type are characterised by rigid beliefs, respect for authority, and a tendency to submit to those in positions of power. This personality is thought to develop from strict and overly harsh parenting during childhood. Adorno measured authoritarianism using the F-scale and found that individuals with higher authoritarian scores were more likely to obey authority figures.