Agentic shift

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

When we are ordered to do something by an authority figure, we shift from an autonomous state where we think for ourselves to an agent state where we assume the authority figure will take the blame for what we do.

Question 2

Binding factors

Answer 2

These are aspects of a situation that help people remain in an agent state by reducing the anxiety they experience from performing evil acts.

Question 3

Evaluation strength: support from Blass & Schmidt

Answer 3

found that students who watched the recordings of Milgram’s original study said that the experimenter was responsible for the harm caused to the learner.

Question 4

Evaluation weakness: Hofling et al (1966)

Answer 4

found that none of the 21 out of 22 nurses who obeyed orders to give double dosage of an unknown drug to a patient experienced any anxiety.

Question 5

Evaluation weakness: cannot explain nazi behaviour

Answer 5

Mandel reported that some soldiers still shot Polish civilians despite having the option of being assigned other duties.