Social-Psychological Factors of Milgram's Study Flashcards
When did Milgram propose the idea of an agentic state
M in 1973, proposed the concept of an agentic state to explain why ppl are prepared to go against their conscience & do as they are told even if it causes them considerable distress
- He suggested there are 2 distinct modes of social consciousness
(aut & agentic)
What is the autonomous state
in which we act according to our own conscience & we feel responsible for our actions.
- in this state, vast majority of ppl behave decently towards others
What is the agentic state
in which we are no longer independent but act according to intrusions from someone else.
- when in this state, ppl justify their behaviour by saying they acted that was bc they were instructed to do so
what is the agentic shift
ppl move from the AUTONOMOUS state into the AGENTIC state when confronted w an authority figure.
This shift from autonomy to ‘agency’ is called the agentic state
What is moral strain
If we obey an order that goes against our conscience, we are likely to experience moral strain, which results when we have to do smth we believe to be immoral in order to function as an agent of authority
What are binding factors
Although ppl in morally straining situations may want to stop, they feel unable to do so due to BINDING FACTORS - aspects of the situation that allow a person to minimise the damaging effect of their behaviour
Evaluation: how is Milgram’s theory supported
- Milgram’s own research demonstrated how the majority of ordinary ppl will follow instructions even when they are acting against conscience.
- Blass & Schmitt (2001) found that ppl who saw Milgram’s study blamed the experimenter indicating that they believed the participants were agents of authority.
- The explanation of M’s theory is also supported by many historical events which demonstrates that as a result of social pressure, ordinary ppl can act in a callous/inhumane way
Evaluation: against M’s theory, other reasons why people obey an authority figure
Could be due to personality rather than the situation. In addition, agency theory cannot explain why some ppl disobey as was shown by 1/3 of participants in og Milgram study