During exam time, a group of school pupils were revising in a classroom, supervised by a teacher - Scottish Highers Psychology - Question d - 2018

One factor that affects obedience in this scenario is the absence of authority. When the teacher left the room, the pupils might have felt a sense of autonomy or freedom. Without direct supervision, they may have believed that they were no longer required to adhere to the rules set by the teacher. This lack of authority can lead to a breakdown in obedience, as students may assume they can engage in behavior that was previously restricted.

Another factor is peer influence. In this case, one pupil tried to enforce obedience by asking the others to stop talking. However, the pair continued to chat, perhaps due to their desire to conform to the social dynamics of their group. The presence of peers may create a situation where individuals feel pressured to act against authority, demonstrating the compelling nature of group loyalty.

Together, these factors highlight how both the presence or absence of authoritative figures and the influence of peers can significantly impact the obedience of individuals in various contexts.