Milgram's agency theory

Question 1

List the defence mechanisms in the Agency theory

Answer 1

1. Denial
2. Avoidance
3. Degree of involvement
4. Helping the learner

Question 2

Explain how the Agency theory has a real-world application

Answer 2

• The idea of the Agentic Shift may help reduce prejudice and discrimination because authority figures could tell people to be tolerant and understanding of outsiders
• In fact, this is often done, with celebrities and sporting heroes visiting schools to encourage tolerance and equality (as well as telling students not to do drugs or crime)
• This is one of the reasons why there is such an outcry when a celebrity like a sports star or musician makes a racist remark or behaves in a sexist way: as an authority figure, they may be encouraging their fans to do as they do.

Question 3

Describe a disadvantage of the Agency theory

Answer 3

• In Milgram’s observation study, the moral strain was shown in participants who obeyed, not the ones that disobeyed
• Milgram’s theory suggests that the agentic state is an escape from the moral strain but this isn’t what was observed
• The moral strain was shown by the participants who obeyed by weeping, groaning and shaking, not by the participants that disobeyed the orders.

Question 4

What triggers the agentic shift in the Agency theory

Answer 4

An order from an authority figure triggers the agentic shift

Question 5

How do we perceive authority in the Agency theory?

Answer 5

We perceive authority figures as people in a uniform or people who possess a status.

Question 6

Define moral strain in the Agency theory

Answer 6

Occurs when an authority figure issues an order that goes against our conscience so a moral strain is felt, and defence mechanisms are used to lessen the moral strain.

Question 7

Define the autonomous state in the Agency theory

Answer 7

Perceiving ourselves as responsible for our own behaviour so we feel guilt

Question 8

Define the agentic state in the Agency theory

Answer 8

Perceiving ourselves to be the agent of someone else’s will; authority figure is commanding us so we don’t feel guilt

Question 9

Explain an advantage of the Agency theory

Answer 9

• Milgrams variation support the idea that situational factors make participants more or less obedient
• Especially when related to the perceived authority of an experimenter
• Later studies like Burger 2009 backed up milligrams conclusions
• All around the world obedience is high even when an authority figure gives orders that are causing moral strains