Factors influencing independent behaviour

Individuals behave independently when they are not influenced by members of a group, or when they do not obey orders from an authority figure, and instead act based on their own beliefs and values.

In each of the studies we have looked at into conformity and obedience, some of the participants have been more independent than others, and some conditions (variations on the basic method) have led to more independent behaviour. Situational factors refer to aspects of the situation that make independent behaviour easier, and we looked briefly at these in the lesson. Make sure your notes address the following:

• Outline factors that allowed participants to resist the pressure to conform in Asch’s study.
• 37% - Ally condition only 5.5%
• Social support (helps if it’s valid – glasses!)
• Private answers…
• Why might resisting the pressure to conform be easier outside the laboratory?
• Moral considerations / personal significance
• Outline factors that allowed participants to resist thepressureto obey in Milgram’s study.
• Buffers / proximity of experimenter / status / presence of ally
• 40% / 30% / 21% / 48% / 10%

On Tuesday we will look at individual differences that relate to independent behaviour, e.g. personality factors. Make notes on these too, and bring them to the lesson.