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Assess how individual differences (personality and gender) affect obedience. - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 4
Assess how individual differences (personality and gender) affect obedience.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Assess how individual differences (personality and gender) affect obedience. - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Assess how individual differences (personality) affect obedience.
Answer
Personality refers to a set of traits that remain stable over time. One theory relevant here is the authoritarian personality, which is characterized by a strong tendency to obey authority figures and to suppress those perceived as inferior. This personality type is associated with higher levels of obedience in situations that require submission to authority. Additionally, individuals can develop a strong sense of self-identity through their personality traits, which may influence their willingness to comply with demands from authority figures.
Step 2
Assess how individual differences (gender) affect obedience.
Answer
Gender stereotypes often shape how we perceive obedience. Historically, research has indicated that women can be viewed as more compliant or obedient than men due to societal norms. Elms and Milgram (1966) found that individuals who scored higher on measures of the authoritarian personality tended to display greater obedience to authority. Furthermore, Kilham and Mann (1974) found that females were less obedient compared to males in their study, suggesting that gender may play a significant role in determining obedience levels. However, Burger (2009) argued that gender differences in obedience are minimal, indicating that more nuanced societal influences may play a role in shaping obedience across genders.