In a hospital, you are very likely to obey a nurse. However, if you meet her outside the hospital, for example in a shop, you are much less likely to obey. Using your knowledge of how people resist pressures to obey, explain why you are less likely to obey the nurse outside the hospital. [4 marks]

Answer: One reason you are more likely to obey a nurse in a hospital is because he or she is seen as a legitimate authority figure within that setting. In a hospital, the nurse's role gives them recognised authority, and failing to follow their instructions could have consequences, such as being denied treatment or asked to leave.

In contrast, when you meet the nurse in a shop, he or she is no longer a legitimate source of authority in that context. Refusing to follow their instructions would not lead to any real consequences, which helps to explain why you would be less likely to obey. If the nurse gave instructions unrelated to their professional role, you might also question their motives, making obedience even less likely because their authority is not seen as valid in that environment.

Examiner Comment: For this question, it is important to address the whole question. Students often focus on explaining why someone might obey a nurse within a hospital but forget to explain the second part — why a person might not obey the nurse outside the hospital. Students should read each question carefully and ensure their response fully answers all parts, not just one aspect.