Some psychologists are interested in “individual differences” or dispositional factors that mean that people demonstrate behaviours which are consistent over time in differing situations. These differences in behaviour are driven by differences in personality, self esteem and intelligence for example. These psychologists believe that individual  differences can be measured using psychometric tests or standardised tests which measure personality variables for example.

In social psychology we have looked at how personality affects levels of obedience and prejudice and this materials will help you to answer questions on this area of the spec.

Stretch and challenge

Look at the work on Begue and Gramann who both look at a wide range of personality factors that impact obedience and can be found here. Gramann is also interesting as it shows a different way of finding out about obedience in a real world setting.