Milgram's agency theory (social factors)

Question 1

according to milgram what are 3 social factors that affect obedience

Answer 1

agency
culture
proximity

Question 2

what did milgram mean by agency

what are the 2 states?

Answer 2

the agency theory suggests that people obey these orders because they dont think theyll be responsible for it they are in 2 states

the agentic state- you are under someone else’s control and obey even if it causes distress

the autonomous state- you are in complete control and make the decisions

Question 3

what did milgram mean by culture and the social hierarchy?

Answer 3

the environment you are raised in affects obedience. certain people have more authority over others because of their position in the social hierarchy. culture is the type of society you grew up in

Question 4

what did milgram mean by proximity

Answer 4

this relates to the physical location and closeness. the closer you are to the harm you’re causing the lower the obedience rate

milgram did a variation of this study where the learner and teacher were in the same room, fewer people went all the way to 450V than before

Question 5

what is a strength of this theory PEE

Answer 5

There is research to support it

participants were shown a film of milgram’s study and asked whose fault it was, they replied saying it twas the experimenters fault as he was higher in the social hierarchy as the scientist

this is important as it supports the aspect of the social hierarchy in this theory

Question 6

what is a weakness of this theory PEE

Answer 6

does not explain why there isn’t 100% obedience

the study found that 35% of participants did not obey they later questioned those participants and found several factors that affected lack of obedience such as their moral compass

this is important because it shows the agency theory does not fully take into account all factors that affect obedience