Limitations of Agentic Theory

• The theory doesn't explain many of the research findings for example why some do not obey

  • 14 people left the experiment
  • therefore, the other factors influenced e.g. Locus of Control needs to be continued
• Theory helps explain the issue that triggered Milgram's research - the Holocaust

  • it could be said that the soldiers were just in an Agentic state and were doing what the higher power told them to do
  • however, obedience alibi, Battalion 101 were not ordered to kill civilians yet they did anyway, showing they were in an autonomous state