Agency theory

Question 1

Autonomous state

Answer 1

We perceive ourselves to be responsible for our own behaviour.
State of free will

Question 2

Agentic state

Answer 2

We obey the authority figure.
This can result in moral strain

Question 3

Agentic shift

Answer 3

the shift from the autonomous state to the agentic state

Question 4

Moral strain

Answer 4

the feeling of guilt/ anxiety when obeying an authority figure

Question 5

Strengths

Answer 5

Supported by Milgram- his puts experienced moral strain ( digging nails Into skin)- more credible explanation of obedience
Usefulness- allows us to understand atrocities like the holocaust, if we can make people aware of their own personal responsibility we can avoid the agentic state

Question 6

Weaknesses

Answer 6

conflicting; milligrams research took place in a lab study , low ecological validity - theory Is less valid because research isn’t valid
Other; social impact theory takes into account situational factors, agency theory is a less credible explanation of obedience