Authority

    OCR
    A-Level

    Examination of the mechanisms of social influence whereby individuals yield to orders from perceived authority figures, often contravening personal conscience. The study centers on Milgram's (1963) paradigm and subsequent variations, distinguishing between situational variables (proximity, location, uniform) and dispositional explanations (Authoritarian Personality). Analysis must extend to the Agentic State and Legitimacy of Authority as explanatory frameworks, while critically evaluating the profound ethical implications and methodological validity of research conducted in the post-WWII era.

    5
    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    3
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Milgram: 40 male participants, aged 20-50, from New Haven area, paid $4.50.
    • Milgram: 100% of participants administered 300V; 65% administered the full 450V.
    • Bocchiaro: 149 undergraduate students from VU University Amsterdam (96 women, 53 men).
    • Bocchiaro: 76.5% obeyed the unethical request, 14.1% disobeyed, and only 9.4% blew the whistle.
    • Key Theme: The distinction between situational vs. dispositional explanations for behaviour.

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You have described the procedure well, but you must explicitly state the aim of the study to frame your answer."
    • "Your evaluation of ethics is valid; now counter-argue by discussing the debriefing procedures or the scientific value of the findings."
    • "When applying this to the scenario, quote specific details from the text to show you are answering the specific question set, not just reciting the study."
    • "Differentiate clearly between 'obedience' (following orders) and 'whistleblowing' (reporting misconduct) in your analysis of Bocchiaro."

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Credit precise citation of quantitative data (e.g., 65% in Milgram, 9.4% whistleblowers in Bocchiaro) to support AO1 descriptions.
    • Award marks for accurate differentiation between 'disobedience' and 'whistleblowing' in the context of Bocchiaro's paradigm.
    • Evaluation (AO3) must move beyond generic ethical statements; credit responses that weigh the cost-benefit analysis of the deception used against the insights gained into social influence.
    • Candidates must explicitly link the findings of both studies to the Social Area assumptions, demonstrating how situational factors influence individual behaviour.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡When evaluating validity, distinguish between internal validity (control of variables) and ecological validity (realism of the task). Milgram has high experimental realism despite low mundane realism.
    • 💡For 15-mark Section B questions, ensure a balanced argument; do not just list weaknesses. Use the 'point-evidence-explain-counterpoint' structure.
    • 💡Memorise the specific prods used in Milgram (e.g., 'The experiment requires that you continue') to demonstrate depth of procedural knowledge.
    • 💡In 'To what extent' questions, use the studies to debate the determinism vs. free will debate, linking the high obedience rates to situational determinism.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Confusing Milgram's baseline study (1963) with his later variations (e.g., run-down office block or telephonic instructions).
    • Failing to distinguish between the 'comparison group' estimates and the actual 'experimental group' behaviour in Bocchiaro et al.
    • Providing generic evaluations (e.g., 'it was unethical') without referencing specific ethical guidelines breached (e.g., BPS/APA guidelines on Right to Withdraw or Protection from Harm).

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

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