Agency Theory Flashcards
How does agency theory relate to evolution?
Milgram viewed agency theory as on an evolutionary bias meaning we are socialised to obey an authority figure as it protects us and keeps us safe.
What are the 4 stages of agency theory?
-Autonoumous state
-Moral strain
-Agentic shift
Agentic state
What is moral strain?
A feeling of anxiety where your morals conflict with the order you have been given.
What is the agentic state?
Complete obedience to the authority figure.
What does SCOUT stand for?
S- supporting evidence
C- conflicting evidence
O- other theories
U- usefulness
T- testibility
What evidence supports agency theory?
-Milgram’s origonal study
-Milgrams variations.
What evidence conflicts agency theory?
-Milgram’s variations 7,10 and 13.
What other theories could explain obedience other than agency theory?
Social impact theory:
-Explains other factors which can effect obedience (number, strength and immediacy)
What is the autonoumous state?
Having complete free will.
What causes agentic shift?
-Legitimate authority(someone who has a lot of authority over you)
-Displace responsibilty (being able to blame your authority figure)
How is agency theory useful?
-Explains real life events:
e.g. the halocaust- why the soilders followed all their authority figures orders.
What are the flaws with agency theory (testibility)?
-No physical/empirical evidence to show the states exists (e.g: brain scans and EEG’s)
-Doesn’t account for personality differences such as authoritarian personality which can impact obedience levels.
