AQA GCSE · Question 03 · Social Context and Behaviour
Outline one factor that affects obedience.
How to approach this question
Choose one factor that influences obedience (e.g., proximity, location, uniform). First, name the factor. Second, briefly explain what the factor is and how it affects the level of obedience, perhaps using an example from a study like Milgram's.
Full Answer
One factor that affects obedience is proximity. This refers to how close the person is to the authority figure giving the order and also to the victim of the order. In Milgram's study, obedience was higher when the authority figure was in the same room as the participant and lower when the participant was in the same room as the 'learner' they were shocking.
Several factors can affect a person's likelihood of obeying an authority figure. These are often called situational variables. Key factors identified by Milgram include:
- **Proximity:** Physical closeness to the authority figure (increases obedience) or the victim (decreases obedience).
- **Location:** The setting where the order is given. A prestigious location (like a university) increases obedience compared to a run-down office.
- **Uniform:** Authority figures wearing a uniform are seen as more legitimate and are more likely to be obeyed.
Common mistakes
Students might name a factor but fail to explain *how* it affects obedience. For example, just writing 'Proximity' would not get full marks.
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