Agency Theory

Question 1

Autonomous state

Answer 1

Free to choose how we behave
Take responsibility for our actions
We operate autonomously with people we perceive as below us in social hierarchy

Question 2

Making agentic shift

Answer 2

From autonomous state to agentic shift
Quickly judge if someone is above or below up in social hierarchy and if they have legitimate authority
See legitimate authority = change from autonomous to agentic state
We become agent of authority - behave on behalf of them
Obey orders of authority

Question 3

Moral strain

Answer 3

Experienced in agentic state
Symptoms of anxiety when obey orders that result in harm
Cognitive dissonance = believe it is wrong but still do it

Question 4

Strength

Answer 4

Milgram
100% 300V
65% 450V
In face of legitimate authority people are highly likely to carry out orders, despite high levels of moral strain

Question 5

Counter argument to strength

Answer 5

Perry 2012 claims participants saw through deception
People questioned if shocks were real
Examined evidence, showing >60% of participants disobeyed experimenter
Lacks validity

Question 6

Weakness

Answer 6

Rank and Jacobson 1977
16/18 nurses disobeyed doctor who ordered overdose
Doctor is authority figure, nurses considered themselves responsible for their actions