Milgram's Agency Theory (Social Factors) (Key Theory)

• What does Milgram's agency theory explain?

  Obedience in terms of power and social factors
• What is the agentic state in Milgram's agency theory?

  Following orders without personal responsibility
• What is the autonomous state in Milgram's agency theory?

  Making free choices and feeling responsible
• What does the term 'agentic shift' refer to?

  Change from autonomous to agentic state
• When does the agentic shift occur?

  When a person sees an authority figure
• How is society structured according to Milgram's theory?

  Societies have a hierarchy of authority
• How does culture influence obedience in Milgram's theory?

  It socializes respect for social hierarchy
• What effect does physical proximity have on obedience in Milgram's studies?

  Closer proximity leads to less obedience
• What is one strength of Milgram's agency theory?

  It has research support from Blass and Schmitt
• What did Blass and Schmitt's study (2000) reveal about obedience?

  Students were shown a film of Milgram's study and they blamed the 'experimenter' (confederate) for harm.

  Therefore, Students recognised the legitimate authority of the experimenter as cause of obedience.
• What is a weakness of agency theory regarding obedience rates?

  It can't explain why 35% disobeyed
• What does the term 'obedience alibi' refer to in agency theory?

  It excuses blind obedience to authority
• Why is agency theory considered potentially dangerous?

  The obedience alibi
• What are the key components of Milgram's agency theory?

  • Agency: Agentic and autonomous states
  • Agentic shift: Change to agentic state
  • Social hierarchy: Authority structure in society
  • Proximity: Closer distance reduces obedience
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of Milgram's agency theory?

  Strengths:

  • Research support from Blass and Schmitt

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Cannot explain 35% disobedience
  • Provides an 'obedience alibi' for harmful actions