How the Presence of an Authority Figure Influences Students’ Choices and Stress Levels: A One-Time Experimental Study

Abstract

This study investigated how the presence of an authority figure influences individual choices. Specifically, it aimed to determine whether or not the presence of an authority figure increases the probability of following instructions to violate rules and how it impacts their stress levels when asked to go against their moral values. Using a true-experimental research design utilizing a between-subject design, participants (n = 40) were randomly assigned to either the group with an authority figure present or a group without an authority figure. An independent sample t-test showed a significant difference between the two groups in terms of obedience, showing the group with an authority figure having hig0068er obedience to authority (M = 3.6, SD = 1.47) than the group without an authority figure (M = 2.0, SD = 1.08). There was a noticeable difference t(38) = 3.94, p < .001, with a large effect size (d = 1.24). Nevertheless, neither group found no significant difference in stress levels (U = 186, p > 0.005, r = -0.07). Participants in a group with an authority figure reported stress levels (M = 2.70, SD = 1.49) comparable to those without an authority figure (M = 3.05, SD = 2.72). These findings were supported by other existing studies indicating that the willingness of an individual to follow unethical instructions was influenced by an authority figure but did not increase their level of stress due to the enjoyable nature of the task. Future research should examine possible moderating factors, such as gender differences and the perceived legitimacy of authoritative figures, to better understand the role of authority in moral decision-making.