Orders to Shoot (a Camera): Effects of Ostracism on Obedience

Abstract

Research suggests that ostracism increases susceptibility to indirect forms of social influence (e.g., conformity). Yet, no study to date has explored whether the effects of ostracism extend to the most direct form of social influence--obedience. We investigated whether ostracized individuals would be more likely to obey a direct command to do something effortful in uncomfortable conditions. Participants (N = 62) were randomly assigned to be included or ostracized in Cyberball, or assigned to a control condition. They were then approached by the experimenter and commanded to go outside when temperatures were below 30 degrees F and take 39 unique and creative photographs in the cold of winter. Ostracized participants were more likely to obey the experimenter's command to be creative when taking photographs. No differences in obedience emerged between the inclusion and the control condition. We provided evidence completing the social influence "trifecta": ostracism increases susceptibility to conformity, compliance, and now, obedience.