Situational Explanations

• What is the term used to describe the state where individuals do not take responsibility for their actions while obeying authority?

  Agentic state
• Why do individuals experience anxiety in the agentic state?

  Because they realize that what they are doing is wrong
• What is the opposite of the agentic state?

  Autonomous state
• What does the term 'agentic shift' refer to?

  The transition from autonomy to agency when perceiving authority
• What are binding factors in the context of obedience?

  Aspects that allow a person to ignore the damaging effects of their behavior
• How did Milgram suggest individuals minimize moral strain during obedience?

  By shifting responsibility to the victim or denying the damage
• What is an example of a legitimate authority figure in society?

  Police officers
• Why is authority considered legitimate in society?

  It is agreed upon by society to maintain order
• What happens when legitimate authority becomes destructive?

  It can lead to harmful actions by individuals
• What factors can convey legitimacy of authority?

  Uniform, location, and social context
• How many unarmed civilians were massacred at My Lai during the Vietnam War?

  Up to 504
• What was the defense of Lt. William Calley during the My Lai massacre trial?

  He claimed he was only doing his duty by following orders
• How can the behavior of soldiers during the My Lai massacre be explained in terms of the agentic state?

  They acted as agents of a higher authority, denying personal responsibility
• What does the term 'legitimacy of authority' imply in the context of the military?

  It implies a clear power hierarchy where orders are accepted as legitimate
• What did Blass and Schmitt (2001) find regarding responsibility in Milgram's study?

  Students blamed the experimenter for the harm caused
• What did participants in Milgram's study often ask regarding responsibility?

  “Who is responsible if Mr. Wallace is harmed?”
• What limitation exists in the agentic state and legitimacy of authority explanations?

  They do not explain why some participants did not obey
• What did Rank and Jacobson's study reveal about obedience among nurses?

  Only 2 out of 18 nurses obeyed the legitimate authority figure
• What did Kilham and Mann (1974) find regarding obedience in Australian women?

  Only 16% obedience was observed
• What did Mantell (1971) find regarding obedience in Germany?

  85% obedience was observed
• What do cultural differences in obedience suggest about authority?

  Authority is perceived differently across cultures
• How does the 'Obedience Alibi' challenge the agentic state explanation?

  It shows that individuals can act autonomously even under authority
• What does Kelman and Hamilton (1989) argue about the My Lai massacre?

  It can be understood in terms of the power hierarchy of the US Army
• What are the implications of the My Lai massacre in understanding obedience?

  • Soldiers acted as agents of authority, denying personal responsibility
  • The legitimacy of authority in the military context influenced behavior
  • Understanding these factors can help prevent future war crimes
• What are the limitations of the agentic state and legitimacy of authority explanations?

  • They do not account for all instances of disobedience
  • Dispositional factors may also play a significant role
  • Cultural differences affect perceptions of authority and obedience