Milgram (1963): Agency Theory of Obedience: Flashcards

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1
Q

What is the definition of obedience?

A

When an individual is expected to follow orders set by an authority figure, handing over free will.

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2
Q

What is the definition of dissent?

A

When a person doesn’t follow orders set by an authority figure.

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3
Q

What does agency theory suggest?

A

Milgram suggested that we need to obey to remain in a stable society. Born with the need to obey.

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4
Q

What is the Autonomous State?

A

Free to take responsibility for our actions. Accept the consequences.

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5
Q

What is the Agentic Shift?

A

When we move between thinking autonomously and obeying.

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6
Q

What is the Agentic State?

A

State of feeling controlled, giving up individual responsibility.

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7
Q

What is Moral Strain?

A

Intense discomfort + stressed by internal conflict. Need to follow orders even if it is wrong.

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8
Q

Supporting Evidence: Milgram:

A

I: Found that participants demonstrated moral strain as many trembled, stuttered and groaned when following the order to give an electric shock.
J: This shows that people can experience physical reactions to orders they think are morally wrong but carry them out due to being ordered to be an authority figure.

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9
Q

Supporting Evidence: Hofling:

A

I: Found that 95% of nurses gave a dose of a drug that exceeded the max allowed when ordered by a doctor over the phone.
J: This shows that people will follow an authority figure and obey orders going into the agentic state.

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10
Q

Critical Evidence: Sedikides + Jackson:

A

I: Found that 60% of visitors complied when in groups of one or two but only 14% in groups of five or six.
J: This shows that obedience may be influenced when the number of targets is greater than the number of sources and not just authority figures.

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11
Q

Critical Evidence: Adorno et al:

A

I: Found that those with an authoritarian personality were more likely to obey those with a higher status.
J: This suggests that agency theory is limited as it doesn’t account for the impact of personality.

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12
Q

Conclusion for Agency Theory:

A

Useful: It can explain historical events such as WW2 and how to prevent them in the future.
Not Useful: However it doesn’t account for individual differences such as personality so it’s reductionist making it less reliable.

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