Milgrams agency theory

• Who is one of the most well-known psychology researchers for studying obedience?

  Stanley Milgram
• What is destructive obedience?

  Obeying orders to harm others
• What theory is Milgram's study based on?

  Agency theory
• What happens to individuals in an agentic state?

  They feel removed from their actions
• Give an example of being in an agentic state.

  Opening fire on unarmed civilians
• How does being in an agentic state affect feelings of responsibility?

  It lessens feelings of responsibility and guilt
• What is the opposite of the agentic state?

  Autonomous state
• What characterizes an autonomous state?

  Taking responsibility for one's actions
• Provide an example of being in an autonomous state.

  Refusing to follow a commander's orders
• What challenges might one face in maintaining an autonomous state?

  Consequences like job loss or danger
• Who did Blass & Schmitt (2000) say was responsible for harming the learner in Milgram's study?

  The experimenter
• What defines an authority figure?

  Someone with legitimate status to issue orders
• How does perception of authority affect obedience?

  Higher perceived authority increases obedience
• What did Bickman's research in 1974 demonstrate about obedience?

  Uniforms confer authority
• How is obedience culturally transmitted?

  Through societal norms and upbringing
• What can result from a lack of obedience to authority figures?

  Punishment or withdrawal of social approval
• What does proximity refer to in the context of obedience?

  The distance between individuals
• How does proximity affect destructive obedience?

  Closer proximity decreases destructive obedience
• What is moral strain according to Milgram?

  Discomfort from following destructive orders
• How does obedience change with proximity?

  Obedience decreases as proximity increases
• What are the strengths of Milgram's agency theory?

  • Supported by research (e.g., Hofling 1966)
  • External validity seen in historical atrocities
• What are the weaknesses of Milgram's agency theory?

  • Does not explain resistance to authority
  • Deterministic, reducing free will and responsibility