Explanation for obedience

• Agentic state according to milgram

  According to Milgram, there are two states an individual can be in:

  • Autonomous state: When in an autonomous state, people see themselves as

  behaving voluntarily. This means that people are less likely to obey unjust orders as

  they feel responsible for their actions.
• Agentic state meaning


  When an individual is in an agentic state, they see themselves as acting on behalf (as an agent) of an authority figure. This means that when they obey an

  authority figure’s orders, they lose their sense of responsibility over their actions by diffusing it onto the authority figure. Being in an agentic state therefore makes people more likely to obey unjust orders as they do not feel responsible for their actions.
• What is the primary structure of most societies?

  Most societies are structured in a hierarchical way.
• What does it mean for authority to be legitimate?

  It means that the authority is agreed upon by society.
• Who is an example of an authority figure in a family setting?

  A parent has authority over their child.
• How can authority be recognized in society?

  Authority can often be recognized through the use of uniforms.
• Why do people accept the authority of figures like police officers?

  People accept their authority because it enables society to function smoothly.
• Why are individuals likely to obey those with legitimate authority?

  Because it is accepted that they have the right to tell us what to do.
• What is a key reason individuals trust authority figures?

  Individuals trust authority figures to exercise their authority appropriately.
• What does the agentic state explanation for obedience suggest?

  Obedience is more likely when individuals view themselves as acting on behalf of an authority figure.
• How does the agentic state affect an individual's sense of responsibility?

  Individuals diffuse responsibility onto the authority figure when in an agentic state.
• What is the difference between an agentic state and an autonomous state?

  An agentic state involves acting on behalf of an authority, while an autonomous state involves behaving voluntarily.
• Why are individuals more likely to obey unjust orders in an agentic state?

  They do not feel responsible for their actions when diffusing responsibility onto the authority figure.
• What does the legitimacy of authority explanation for obedience suggest?

  Individuals obey authority figures because they are in a higher position on the social hierarchy.
• Why do individuals obey those with legitimate authority?

  It is accepted by society that they have the right to tell us what to do.
• What was a strength of the agentic state explanation for obedience?

  It has received supporting evidence from Milgram's research.
• What did Milgram's touch proximity variation demonstrate about obedience rates?

  Obedience rates were lower when participants had to physically hold the learner's hand down.
• How does the touch proximity variation support the agentic state explanation for obedience?

  It shows that participants took responsibility for their actions when they had to physically interact with the learner.
• What was a strength of the legitimacy of authority explanation for obedience?

  It has received supporting evidence from another variation of Milgram's research.
• What did Milgram's location variation reveal about obedience rates?

  Obedience rates were lower in a run-down office block compared to Yale University.
• Why did the change in location affect obedience rates in Milgram's study?

  Participants trusted the authority figure more at Yale University due to its prestigious reputation.
• What is a limitation of the agentic state and legitimacy of authority explanations for obedience?

  They fail to explain individual differences in obedience rates.
• What percentage of Milgram's participants disobeyed the experimenter in the original study?

  35%
• How does Adorno's theory relate to obedience?

  Some individuals have an authoritarian personality that leads to greater obedience.
• What does the presence of an authoritarian personality suggest about obedience?

  It indicates that personality factors must also play a role in explaining obedience.
• What practical applications arise from the legitimacy of authority explanation?

  It highlights the importance of uniforms for those in positions of authority.
• How can the agentic state explanation be seen in historical contexts?

  It can explain how individuals like Adolf Eichmann claimed to be following orders during the Holocaust.
• What ethical implications arise from the agentic state explanation for obedience?

  It can be used as an excuse for individuals to avoid responsibility for their actions.
• What are the key components of the agentic state and legitimacy of authority explanations for obedience?

  • Agentic state: acting on behalf of authority, diffusing responsibility
  • Autonomous state: behaving voluntarily, taking responsibility
  • Legitimacy of authority: obedience due to social hierarchy and accepted authority
• What are the strengths and limitations of the agentic state and legitimacy of authority explanations for obedience?

  Strengths:

  • Supported by Milgram's research
  • Practical applications in authority recognition

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Fail to explain individual differences in obedience
  • Ethical implications of diffusing responsibility