Obedience: Understanding the Power of Authority

Question 1

Which ethical concern is raised by Milgram's obedience experiments?

Accepted Answer

Participants were not fully informed about the study's purpose.

Answer

Participants were physically harmed.

Answer

The experimental setting was artificial.

Question 2

How can we encourage healthy skepticism and resistance to undue authority?

Accepted Answer

Foster open dialogue and dissent.

Accepted Answer

Train in critical thinking and ethical reasoning.

Accepted Answer

Use role-playing exercises and simulations.

Answer

Punish unethical authority figures with laws and policies.

Question 3

Excessive obedience in society can lead to which of the following concerning consequences?

Accepted Answer

Erosion of individual autonomy

Accepted Answer

Increased likelihood of unethical behavior

Accepted Answer

Suppression of dissent and innovation

Answer

Enhanced efficiency and productivity

Question 4

Which personal traits can affect a person's tendency to obey authority?

Accepted Answer

Authoritarian personality

Accepted Answer

Low self-esteem

Answer

High aggression

Answer

Low intelligence

Question 5

Which methodological limitation of Milgram's obedience experiments could have affected the results and their applicability to a wider population?

Accepted Answer

Participant bias due to being deceived about the study's purpose

Accepted Answer

Demand characteristics, where participants may have guessed the study's aim

Accepted Answer

The use of a small sample that may not represent the general population

Answer

The lack of long-term follow-up with participants

Question 6

The Milgram experiment demonstrated that people are more likely to obey authority figures when:

Accepted Answer

They believe the authority figure is legitimate

Answer

They are physically threatened

Answer

They are in a private setting

Answer

They are promised a large reward

Question 7

The concept of 'cognitive dissonance' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The discomfort experienced when holding conflicting beliefs

Answer

The tendency to seek out information that confirms our beliefs

Answer

The process of changing our behavior to match our beliefs

Answer

The belief that we are always wrong

Question 8

Which of the following is a key lesson from the history of obedience research?

Accepted Answer

Understanding obedience factors can help us promote its positive consequences

Answer

Obedience is always beneficial

Answer

People are inherently good

Answer

Authority figures should never be questioned

Question 9

How did the Nuremberg trials impact the design and conduct of obedience experiments like Milgram's study?

Accepted Answer

The trials led to the Nuremberg Code, setting ethical standards for human research, including informed consent and protection from harm.

Answer

The trials had no influence on obedience research.

Answer

The trials banned deception in obedience research.

Answer

The trials only affected medical research, not psychological research.

Question 10

In the Stanford Prison Experiment, which group displayed the strongest inclination towards obedience to authority?

Accepted Answer

Guards

Answer

Prisoners

Answer

Researchers

Answer

Volunteers

Question 11

Define obedience and identify a common example of it.

Accepted Answer

Obedience is the willingness to follow orders from an authority figure, even if they conflict with personal beliefs; an example is adhering to traffic signals.

Answer

Obedience is a form of aggression that involves harming others; an example is physical assault.

Answer

Obedience is a type of prosocial behavior that benefits others; an example is volunteering for charity.

Answer

Obedience is a form of conformity that involves following group norms; an example is wearing a uniform.

Question 12

According to the Milgram experiment, what percentage of participants administered the highest level of shock to a confederate, thinking it was real?

Accepted Answer

65%

Answer

25%

Answer

50%

Answer

90%

Question 13

How can understanding obedience help us in our daily lives?

Accepted Answer

It allows us to identify and resist unjust authority figures.

Answer

It teaches us how to manipulate others.

Answer

It helps us to obey authority figures without question.

Answer

It has no practical applications.

Question 14

The Milgram experiment famously demonstrated that:

Accepted Answer

A significant majority of people are willing to inflict pain on others if ordered to do so by an authority figure

Answer

People's obedience is primarily driven by personal characteristics and moral beliefs

Answer

Social norms have a negligible impact on obedience

Answer

Obedience is a rare and exceptional behavior

Question 15

Which of the following personality characteristics is generally associated with an increased tendency to obey?

Accepted Answer

High authoritarianism

Answer

Strong empathy

Answer

Low self-esteem

Answer

Assertiveness

Question 16

In the context of obedience, deindividuation refers to:

Accepted Answer

Losing one's sense of personal identity within a group

Answer

Becoming more acutely aware of one's own thoughts and feelings

Answer

Adopting the values and beliefs of a group

Answer

Resisting the influence of others

Question 17

Which personality trait has been consistently found to be negatively correlated with obedience?

Accepted Answer

Agreeableness

Answer

Extraversion

Answer

Neuroticism

Answer

Conscientiousness

Question 18

What is the concept of 'agentic shift' in the context of obedience?

Accepted Answer

The tendency to perceive oneself as an agent of an authority figure

Answer

The tendency to obey authority even when it conflicts with one's own moral principles

Answer

The tendency to disobey authority when personal beliefs are violated

Answer

The tendency to identify with authority figures for personal gain

Question 19

Which personal characteristic is associated with increased obedience?

Accepted Answer

Strong need for approval

Answer

High self-esteem

Answer

Empathy and compassion

Answer

Independent thinking

Question 20

According to Stanley Milgram, one of the key mechanisms underlying obedience is:

Accepted Answer

Rationalization

Answer

Groupthink

Answer

Cognitive dissonance

Answer

Self-serving bias

Question 21

In Stanley Milgram's obedience experiments, approximately what proportion of participants obeyed the experimenter's directives to administer potentially lethal shocks?

Accepted Answer

65%

Answer

10%

Answer

25%

Answer

50%

Question 22

Based on the findings of the 'Stanford Prison Experiment,' which group exhibited the most abusive behavior?

Accepted Answer

Prison guards

Answer

Inmates

Answer

Researchers conducting the experiment

Answer

Observers monitoring the experiment

Question 23

Which personal characteristic is linked to a higher likelihood of obedience?

Accepted Answer

External locus of control and reliance on external authority

Answer

High self-esteem and confidence

Answer

Empathy and concern for others

Answer

Assertiveness and independence

Question 24

How do group dynamics affect an individual's willingness to obey?

Accepted Answer

Group pressure can make people more likely to conform and obey.

Answer

The size of a group does not affect obedience.

Answer

Diversity in a group always reduces obedience.

Question 25

How does obedience research shed light on the connection between obedience, social accountability, and ethical choices?

Accepted Answer

Obedience research offers a framework for understanding how social norms and group pressure can shape unethical behavior.

Answer

Obedience research suggests that individuals are inherently unethical and cannot be held accountable for their actions.

Answer

Obedience research is only applicable to extreme situations and has no relevance to everyday ethical dilemmas.

Answer

Obedience research lacks practical value in fostering social responsibility and ethical behavior.

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT a factor that influences obedience?

Accepted Answer

Personal preferences

Answer

Power of authority

Answer

Social norms

Answer

Personal characteristics

Question 27

In Stanley Milgram's experiment, participants were asked to:

Accepted Answer

Administer electric shocks to a confederate

Answer

Solve a complex puzzle

Answer

Answer a series of questionnaires

Answer

Participate in a role-playing exercise

Question 28

The concept of 'agentic shift' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The transfer of responsibility from the individual to the authority figure, leading to reduced feelings of guilt

Answer

The change in motivation from intrinsic to extrinsic

Answer

The shift in focus from personal consequences to group dynamics

Question 29

Which of the following is an example of obedience to an unjust authority?

Accepted Answer

Following orders to commit genocide

Answer

Paying taxes

Answer

Helping a neighbor in need

Answer

Cleaning up your room

Question 30

The Holocaust is a tragic example of the dangers of:

Accepted Answer

Unquestioning obedience to authority, leading to devastating consequences

Answer

Charismatic leadership

Answer

Social isolation

Answer

Groupthink

Question 31

Which of the following is NOT a recognized factor that influences obedience?

Accepted Answer

Religious beliefs

Answer

Power of authority

Answer

Social norms

Answer

Personal characteristics

Question 32

The Milgram experiment, conducted by Stanley Milgram, demonstrated that:

Accepted Answer

A substantial proportion of participants were willing to administer potentially lethal shocks to another person, despite their own discomfort and reservations.

Answer

Most participants refused to obey the experimenter's orders.

Question 33

Which of the following is considered a characteristic of an authoritative figure?

Accepted Answer

Perceived as legitimate, having earned respect and trust.

Answer

Prone to using physical coercion.

Answer

Has minimal influence on others' behavior.

Answer

Relies solely on persuasive tactics.

Question 34

According to the Stanford Prison Experiment, what is a potential psychological effect of situational power?

Accepted Answer

It can induce individuals to behave in unethical or harmful ways.

Answer

It invariably overrides personal moral values.

Answer

It only affects people with low self-esteem.

Question 35

Which technique is employed in workplaces to reduce blind obedience?

Accepted Answer

Fostering a culture that encourages questioning authority and expressing diverse viewpoints.

Answer

Increasing the presence of authoritative figures.

Answer

Creating a highly intimidating work environment.

Question 36

The theory of 'situational ethics' posits that:

Accepted Answer

Moral decisions can vary depending on the specific circumstances.

Answer

Ethical principles are absolute and unwavering.

Answer

Moral choices are always clear-cut and universally applicable.

Question 37

How does social support impact obedience?

Accepted Answer

It can potentially diminish obedience to authority figures.

Answer

It has no significant impact on obedience to authority figures.

Answer

It invariably increases obedience to authority figures.

Answer

It only influences obedience in highly specific situations.

Question 38

A key finding of Stanley Milgram's obedience experiments is that:

Accepted Answer

Individuals are capable of obeying authority figures, even when such obedience conflicts with their own moral compass.

Answer

Obedience is solely determined by personal characteristics.

Answer

Situational factors play no role in obedience.

Question 39

According to the theory of social impact, obedience is more likely when the authority figure is perceived as:

Accepted Answer

Legitimate and powerful

Answer

Friendly

Answer

Approachable

Answer

Humorous

Question 40

Which of the following is a strategy for resisting unethical authority?

Accepted Answer

Challenging the authority's motives

Answer

Submitting to the authority's requests

Answer

Blindly following orders

Answer

Agreeing with the authority's demands

Question 41

The agentic shift refers to the idea that people who are obeying authority often experience:

Accepted Answer

Reduced sense of personal responsibility

Answer

Increased sense of guilt

Answer

Greater personal autonomy

Answer

Enhanced empathy for others

Question 42

Which of the following is an example of destructive obedience?

Accepted Answer

Carrying out actions which harm innocent others

Answer

Following traffic regulations

Answer

Paying taxes

Answer

Washing hands before handling food

Question 43

According to the Stanford Prison Experiment, participants assigned to be prison guards were more likely to exhibit:

Accepted Answer

Harsh and aggressive behavior

Answer

Rational and logical decision-making

Answer

Empathetic and compassionate behavior

Answer

Passive and submissive behavior

Question 44

The concept of deindividuation suggests that obedience is more likely when people feel:

Accepted Answer

Less accountable and anonymous

Answer

Confident and assertive

Answer

Empathetic and compassionate

Answer

Highly respected and valued

Question 45

Which of the following is NOT a well-established factor that influences obedience?

Accepted Answer

Personal preferences

Answer

Personal characteristics

Answer

Social norms

Answer

Power of authority

Question 46

Which of the following is a potential negative consequence of obedience?

Accepted Answer

Suppression of critical thinking and impairment of moral judgment.

Answer

Increased self-confidence

Answer

Improved productivity

Answer

Enhanced social harmony

Question 47

Which of the following is a characteristic commonly associated with authoritarian personalities?

Accepted Answer

High levels of aggression and excessive deference to authority figures.

Answer

Empathy, tolerance for ambiguity, and non-conformity.

Answer

Independence, critical thinking, and a rebellious nature.

Question 48

What is one of the key lessons that can be learned from the Stanford Prison Experiment?

Accepted Answer

Situational factors, such as the roles and environment, can have a significant impact on human behavior.

Answer

Authority figures should always be obeyed, regardless of the situation.

Answer

People are inherently good and cooperative, even in adverse circumstances.

Question 49

What is one of the ethical implications of obedience research?

Accepted Answer

The paramount importance of obtaining informed consent from participants and protecting them from physical and psychological harm.

Answer

Obedience is always morally justified, regardless of the consequences.

Answer

People should never question authority, even if it involves unethical behavior.

Question 50

In Milgram's renowned obedience experiment, approximately what percentage of participants fully administered the highest level of electric shock to the learner?

Accepted Answer

65%

Answer

20%

Answer

40%

Answer

80%

Question 51

Which of the following factors does social psychology research NOT identify as influencing obedience?

Accepted Answer

Personal intelligence

Answer

Legitimacy of the authority figure

Answer

Social norms and expectations

Answer

Closeness to the victim

Question 52

The phenomenon where individuals feel less accountable for their actions and are more likely to obey when part of a group is called:

Accepted Answer

Diffusion of responsibility

Answer

Groupthink

Answer

Deindividuation

Answer

Cognitive dissonance

Question 53

Which scenario best illustrates the concept of 'agentic state' as described by Stanley Milgram?

Accepted Answer

A soldier following commands to engage enemy combatants despite personal reservations.

Answer

A group of friends collectively deciding to skip school.

Answer

An individual declining a request for a charitable donation despite solicitation from a well-dressed stranger.

Question 54

The inclination for individuals to align with the actions of others in a group setting, even if those actions are incorrect, is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Conformity

Answer

Compliance

Answer

Obedience

Question 55

In which of these situations is the 'foot-in-the-door' technique most likely to enhance obedience?

Accepted Answer

A salesperson initially requests a small favor from a customer, gradually transitioning to larger requests.

Answer

A teacher offers extra credit for students completing optional assignments.

Answer

A doctor prescribes a potent medication after thorough patient examination.

Question 56

Which of the following concepts in psychology is not directly connected to the phenomenon of obedience?

Accepted Answer

The bystander effect

Answer

Cognitive dissonance

Answer

Groupthink

Answer

Social responsibility

Question 57

The 'Stanford Prison Experiment' highlighted the profound impact of:

Accepted Answer

Situational influences on human behavior

Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

Individual personality traits

Answer

Cultural norms

Question 58

An individual with a high tendency for obedience is likely to:

Accepted Answer

Adhere to directives from authority figures, even if they conflict with personal beliefs.

Answer

Possess a robust sense of individuality.

Answer

Exhibit strong assertiveness and independence.

Question 59

Which of the following is NOT a potential negative outcome of uncritically obeying authority?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced self-esteem and increased confidence

Answer

Moral dilemmas and ethical conflicts

Answer

Participation in harmful or unethical acts

Answer

Diminished personal responsibility and autonomy