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Obedience refers to compliance with commands given by an authority figure. Historical example: Many soldiers during World War II followed orders without question. Experimental example: Stanley Milgram's obedience experiments in the 1960s where participants administered shocks to a learner under the authority's instructions.

Authority is the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. Historical example: Monarchs and religious leaders often commanded absolute authority. Experimental example: In Milgram's study, the experimenter's lab coat symbolized authority prompting participants to obey.

Conformity is the act of matching attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to group norms. Historical example: The cultural Revolution in China led to widespread conformity to Communist Party ideology. Experimental example: Solomon Asch's Conformity Experiments in which participants agreed with incorrect group answers.

Social influence occurs when one's emotions, opinions, or behaviors are affected by others. Historical example: Propaganda used in wartime to shape public opinion. Experimental example: Robert Cialdini's principles of persuasion outline how social influence can be systematically applied.

Autonomy is the capacity to make an informed, uncoerced decision, which can contrast with obedience when an individual resists authoritative commands. Historical example: The actions of conscientious objectors in various wars. Experimental example: Participants in Milgram's experiment who refused to continue delivering shocks.

Agentic shift refers to an individual's transition from an autonomous state to an agentic state where they see themselves as an agent executing the will of an authority. Historical example: Soldiers following orders in battle may undergo an agentic shift. Experimental example: Milgram observed participants entering an agentic state when they deflected responsibility to the experimenter.

Groupthink occurs when a group makes faulty decisions due to group pressures, often leading to a deterioration of mental efficiency, reality testing, and moral judgment. Historical example: The Bay of Pigs invasion was a result of groupthink. Experimental example: Irving Janis formulated the concept of groupthink after studying policy decisions that led to failures.