Social-Psychological Factors of Milgram's Study

Question 1

When did Milgram propose the idea of an agentic state

Answer 1

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)

Question 2

What is the autonomous state

Answer 2

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

Question 3

What is the agentic state

Answer 3

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

Question 4

what is the agentic shift

Answer 4

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

Question 5

What is moral strain

Answer 5

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

Question 6

What are binding factors

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Evaluation: how is Milgram’s theory supported

Answer 7

• 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

Question 8

Evaluation: against M’s theory, other reasons why people obey an authority figure

Answer 8

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