situational explanations

• What is a genetic state?

  A state where we feel no personal responsibility
• What do we believe about ourselves in an agentic state?

  We believe we are acting for an authority figure
• What is the effect of anxiety in an agentic state?

  It causes feelings of powerlessness and disobedience
• What is the opposite of an agentic state?

  An autonomous state
• What happens when we are in the presence of someone we perceive as an authority figure?

  We have an agentic shift from the autonomous state to the agentic state
• Why does an authority figure have more power?

  They have a higher position in a social hierarchy
• What did Milgram's participants want to do?

  They wanted to stop but felt unable to
• What are binding factors in a situation?

  Aspects that allow people to ignore or minimize damage
• What happens when legitimate authority is misused?

  Destructive authority problems arise
• How can legitimate authority be used destructively?

  By ordering people to behave cruelly
• What is a consequence of granting power to certain people?

  They may punish others more harshly
• What do we allow certain people to do in society?

  Exercise some social power over us
• Why do some people hold more authority than others?

  Due to their positions in society
• What is the impact of social hierarchy on authority?

  It determines who holds more power
• What is a potential issue with authority figures?

  They can misuse their legitimate power
• What is the relationship between authority and social structure?

  Authority is agreed upon by society
• How does society function smoothly regarding authority?

  By allowing certain people to exercise power
• What do some people have the power to do over others?

  Punish them
• What is the consequence of granting power to punish?

  It can lead to abuse of authority
• What is the implication of trusting authority figures?

  We may give up some independence
• What is a common trait of powerful leaders?

  They can be cruel and dangerous
• How can authority be misused in society?

  By leading people to act in harmful ways
• What is a risk of charismatic leaders?

  They can misuse their legitimate powers
• What is a potential outcome of destructive authority?

  It can lead to harmful societal actions
• How does society view authority figures?

  They are often granted power by society
• What can happen when authority is misused?

  It can lead to societal harm and chaos