What is the primary difference between dispositional and situational explanations of obedience?

Dispositional explanations focus on internal personality traits and individual character, while situational explanations focus on external environmental factors and social pressures. Adorno's theory is the leading dispositional model, whereas Milgram's research highlights situational variables.

How does Adorno's theory differ from Milgram's in terms of the 'cause' of obedience?

Adorno attributes obedience to childhood upbringing and the development of a specific personality type (nurture), while Milgram attributes it to the social context and the psychological state of the individual at the moment of the order (e.g., the agentic state).

Why is it a mistake to assume that the $F$-scale perfectly predicts obedient behavior?

The $F$-scale measures attitudes and personality tendencies, but situational factors often override these traits. For example, in Milgram's studies, many people without authoritarian traits still obeyed due to the pressure of the environment.

What is a common pitfall when interpreting a high score on the $F$-scale?

A high score indicates authoritarian tendencies but does not necessarily mean the person is a 'fascist' or will commit harmful acts. It is a measurement of a psychological disposition, not a definitive label for political affiliation or future behavior.

What is 'social desirability bias' in the context of Adorno's research?

This occurs when participants provide answers on the $F$-scale that they believe will make them look better or more 'normal' to the researcher. This reduces the validity of the results because the data may not reflect the participant's true internal beliefs.

Define the 'Authoritarian Personality'.

It is a personality type characterized by extreme respect for authority, submissiveness to superiors, and a rigid, 'black-and-white' cognitive style. Individuals with this personality are highly likely to obey orders and hold prejudiced views toward lower-status groups.

What is the $F$-scale?

The $F$-scale (Fascism scale) is a standardized questionnaire developed by Adorno to measure the components of the authoritarian personality. It assesses traits like conventionalism, authoritarian submission, and aggression toward outgroups.

What does 'dispositional' mean in psychology?

Dispositional refers to internal characteristics, such as personality traits, temperament, or genetics, that influence an individual's behavior. It contrasts with 'situational' factors, which are external to the person.

Explain the concept of 'displacement' in Adorno's theory.

Displacement is a defense mechanism where an individual redirects repressed anger from a powerful target (like a parent) toward a safer, weaker target (like a minority group). This explains why authoritarian individuals are often prejudiced.

How does 'conditional love' contribute to the development of an authoritarian personality?

When parents only show love if a child meets strict standards, the child develops deep-seated insecurity and resentment. Because they cannot express this toward their parents, they internalize the need for strict rules and displace their hostility onto others.

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Dispositional Factors Affecting Obedience: Adorno's Theory

Summary

Adorno's theory posits that obedience is not merely a response to situational pressure but is rooted in a specific personality type known as the Authoritarian Personality. This disposition, characterized by rigid thinking and extreme respect for hierarchy, is believed to originate from harsh, conditional parenting during childhood, leading individuals to displace repressed hostility onto marginalized social groups.

1. Definition & Core Concepts

Dispositional Factors: These refer to internal explanations for behavior, suggesting that an individual's unique personality traits and character determine their likelihood of obeying authority figures.
The Authoritarian Personality: A distinct personality type proposed by Adorno (1950) that is exceptionally susceptible to obeying people in authority and holds dismissive attitudes toward those perceived as having lower status.
Cognitive Rigidity: Individuals with this personality often exhibit 'black-and-white' thinking, where they rely on fixed stereotypes and struggle with ambiguity or unconventional ideas.
Social Hierarchy: A core belief of this disposition is that society requires strong leadership and that individuals must strictly adhere to their place within the social order.

2. Characteristics of the Authoritarian Personality

Extreme Respect for Authority: These individuals show unquestioning submissiveness to those they perceive as superior in the social or political hierarchy.
Contempt for the 'Weak': They often display hostile or patronizing attitudes toward minority groups, the homeless, or anyone they view as socially inferior.
Traditionalism: A strong adherence to conventional middle-class values and a belief that 'traditional' ways of living are the only correct ones.
Inflexibility: They are highly uncomfortable with change and view the world through a lens of rigid rules and strict moral codes.

3. Underlying Principles: The Psychodynamic Origin

Flowchart showing the psychodynamic development of the authoritarian personality from harsh parenting to repressed hostility and finally displacement onto outgroups.

4. Methods: The F-Scale

5. Key Distinctions: Dispositional vs. Situational

6. Exam Strategy & Tips