Exam (elaborations)
PYC4803 Assignment 2 2024 (785738) - DUE 26 July 2024
- Course
- PYC4803 (PYC4803)
- Institution
- University Of South Africa
PYC4803 Assignment 2 2024 (785738) - DUE 26 July 2024
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PYC4803 Assignment 22024 (785738) - DUE 26
July 2024
QUESTIONS WITH COMPLETE ANSWERS
[DATE]
[COMPANY NAME]
[Company address]
,PYC4803 Assignment 2 2024 (785738) - DUE 26 July 2024
(A) Give your own example of destructive obedience that occurred in your
society and explain possible reasons as to the underlying reasons why people
comply with this form of social influence. (20 marks)
Destructive obedience involves following orders that result in harm to others. A
notable example of this in recent history is the Abu Ghraib prison scandal during
the Iraq War. In this case, U.S. military personnel abused and tortured detainees,
following the orders and expectations set by their superiors. This event provides a
stark example of how destructive obedience can manifest in a modern context.
Possible Reasons for Compliance
1. Authority and Hierarchical Structures:
o Perception of Legitimacy: Soldiers and guards perceived orders from
higher-ranking officers as legitimate and binding, believing that their
superiors had the right to issue such commands.
o Chain of Command: Military environments emphasize strict
adherence to the chain of command, where questioning orders can be
seen as insubordination.
2. Socialization and Training:
o Conditioning: Military training often involves rigorous conditioning
to follow orders without question, fostering a culture of obedience.
o Desensitization: Continuous exposure to violence and stress can
desensitize individuals, making them more likely to carry out harmful
actions.
3. Group Dynamics:
o Groupthink: In cohesive groups, the desire for conformity and
unanimity can lead individuals to follow harmful orders to maintain
group harmony and cohesion.
o Diffusion of Responsibility: When actions are carried out by a group,
individuals may feel less personally responsible for the outcomes,
diffusing the sense of personal accountability.
, 4. Moral Disengagement:
o Dehumanization of Victims: Seeing detainees as the enemy or as
sub-human can make it easier for individuals to justify harmful
actions against them.
o Moral Justification: Believing that their actions are for a greater
good or are necessary for national security can lead individuals to
rationalize their obedience.
5. Fear and Coercion:
o Fear of Repercussions: Fear of punishment or negative consequences
for disobedience can compel individuals to follow harmful orders.
o Peer Pressure: Pressure from peers and the fear of being ostracized
or labeled as weak can also drive compliance.
6. Situational Factors:
o Ambiguity and Uncertainty: In chaotic and stressful environments,
individuals may rely more heavily on authority figures for guidance,
increasing compliance.
o Perceived Lack of Choice: Belief that there are no viable alternatives
to following orders can make individuals feel compelled to obey.
Conclusion
The Abu Ghraib prison scandal illustrates how various psychological, social, and
situational factors can converge to foster destructive obedience. Understanding
these underlying reasons is crucial in preventing such occurrences in the future,
emphasizing the need for ethical training, accountability mechanisms, and
promoting a culture where questioning unethical orders is supported and protected.
Study chapter nine (prosocial behaviour) in your prescribed book before
attempting to answer this question.
(B) Using the prosocial behavior theory of empathy as an important
foundation for helping, critically discuss whether people who choose to do
volunteer work are empathetic. (20 marks)
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