Microsoft Word Chapter 1 done doc

Destructive Obedience: Resisting Its Effects : 
 
How can this type of social influence be resisted? Several 
strategies seem to help to reduce tendencies to obey. 
1. Individual can be reminded that you will be responsible for the 
harm produced by following commands and not the authority. 
This will develop a sense of responsibility for individual’s 
behaviour even for taking decision to follow commands given by 
authority. Under these conditions, sharp reductions in the 
tendency to obey have been observed. 
2. Individuals can be provided with a clear indication that beyond 
some point, unquestioning submission to destructive commands 
is inappropriate. One procedure that is highly effective in this 
regard involves exposing individuals to the actions of 
disobedient models- persons who refuse to obey an authority 
figure’s commands. Research findings indicate that such 
models can greatly reduce unquestioning obedience.
3. Individuals may find it easier to resist influence from authority 
figures if they question the expertise and motives of these 
figures. Questions such, as are authority figures really in a 
better position to judge what is appropriate and what is not? 
What motives lie behind their commands-socially beneficial 
goals or selfish gains? By asking such questions, persons who 
might otherwise obey may find support for independence rather 
than submission. 
4. Simply knowing about the power of authority figures to 
command blind obedience may be helpful in itself. 

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5. Also, some research findings suggest that when individuals 
learn about the results of social psychological research, they 
sometimes change their behaviour to take account of this new 
knowledge There is hope that knowing about this process can 
enhance individual’s ability to resist.