As a behavioral scientist with a focus on social psychology, I've spent considerable time studying the intricacies of human behavior and the factors that influence it. One of the most profound studies in this field is the obedience experiment conducted by Stanley Milgram in the 1960s. Milgram's work has shed light on the extent to which individuals will comply with authority, even when it conflicts with their personal morals or ethics. To explore the question of what decreases obedience, it's essential to revisit the findings of Milgram's experiments and consider the broader context of social psychology.
Step 1: English Answer
One of the key findings from Milgram's experiments was that the physical proximity of the authority figure significantly affected the level of obedience. When the experimenter was in the same room as the participant, obedience rates were higher. This suggests that the social pressure to conform to the expectations of someone in close proximity is a powerful motivator. Conversely, when the experimenter was in a different room, participants were less likely to obey commands, indicating that physical distance can decrease obedience.
Another critical factor that Milgram identified was the location of the experiment. When conducted in a more formal and authoritative setting, such as a university or a laboratory, participants were more likely to obey. This setting conveyed a sense of legitimacy and authority, which can increase the tendency to comply. However, when the experiment was moved to a less formal location, obedience rates dropped, suggesting that the perceived legitimacy of the authority can decrease obedience when it is less apparent.
The presence of other individuals also played a crucial role in the level of obedience observed. Milgram found that when participants were influenced by confederates who disobeyed, they were more likely to disobey themselves. This social proof can significantly impact an individual's decision to comply or resist. When others are seen defying authority, it provides a normative cue that disobedience is an acceptable response, thereby decreasing obedience.
Furthermore, the nature of the task itself can influence obedience levels. If the task is perceived as more harmful or morally questionable, participants are less likely to obey. This is because the cognitive dissonance between personal values and the actions required by the authority figure becomes too great, leading to a decrease in compliance.
Lastly, individual differences among participants also contribute to variations in obedience. Factors such as personality traits, personal beliefs, and past experiences can all play a role in determining how likely a person is to obey authority. For instance, individuals with a strong sense of personal ethics or a history of resisting authority are less likely to be obedient.
In summary, factors that decrease obedience include increased physical distance from the authority figure, a less formal or authoritative setting, the presence of disobedient peers, the perception of the task as harmful or morally wrong, and individual differences in personality and beliefs. Understanding these factors can help us appreciate the complexity of obedience and the various ways in which it can be influenced.
**read more >>

To determine what factors increase or decrease obedience beyond the basline 65 percent level, Milgram varied the location of the experiment, the participant's proximity to the victim and the experimenter, and the presence of obedient or disobedient confederates. All of these factors influenced obedience levels.read more >>