A senior army instructor is advising new instructors how to ensure discipline in training classes. He says, 'Always wear your instructor jacket and stand up close when giving instructions. Make them all understand who has responsibility for the exercise. Serious problems should always be dealt with in the instructors' office.'

Referring to research into obedience, explain three reasons why the instructor's advice should be effective. [6 marks]

Answer: The instructor's advice is likely to be effective because several factors identified in research on obedience are present. Firstly, wearing the instructor jacket conveys legitimate authority, similar to the lab coat worn by the experimenter in Milgram's study. Uniforms signal power and status, making recruits more likely to obey instructions.

Secondly, standing up close increases proximity, which research shows strengthens obedience. In Milgram's study, participants were more likely to follow orders when the authority figure was physically close to them.

Finally, holding serious discussions in the instructor's office reinforces the authority of the location. As Milgram found, obedience was higher when the study took place in the prestigious setting of Yale University compared to a run-down office block. The instructor's office therefore conveys legitimacy and authority, increasing compliance among recruits.