Amara and Bilal are junior laboratory technicians sitting in a local cafe down the street from the university science department after finishing their afternoon shift. While drinking their coffee, they notice their senior lab director, Professor Vance, standing outside a shop across a busy four-lane high street.

Professor Vance spots them through the window, waves aggressively, and shouts, "You two! Get back to the department immediately and wash down the autoclaves!"

Amara and Bilal make eye contact, smile, and slowly turn back to their coffees, ignoring the instruction.

Using your knowledge of research into obedience, explain possible reasons why Amara and Bilal failed to obey Professor Vance.