The Agentic State as an Explanation for Obedience Flashcards
What is the Agentic State?
A mental state in which an individual feels no personal responsibility for their actions due to the belief that they were acting on behalf of an authority figure (i.e. as an agent)
What is the Autonomous State?
The opposite of an Agentic State- a mental state in which one behaves according to their own morals and takes responsibility for their own actions
What is the Agentic Shift?
The shift from an autonomous state to an agentic state
When does an Agentic Shift often occur?
When there is a change in perception as to who is the authority figure
What are binding factors?
Also known as buffers, they are aspects of a situation that allow one to ignore and subdue the damage of their actions (eg. victim-blaming)
What study supports the Agentic State as an Explanation for Obedience?
Milgram’s Baseline Study, as participants continued to give shocks when the Experimenter assumed responsibility, stating they were responsible for any harm caused to the Learner
What highly socially sensitive historical event can the Agentic State be applied to?
Nazi war criminals, many of whom claimed they were acting on behalf of an authority figure
Why can the Agentic Shift be criticised?
It arguably provides an alibi for evil, as it could excuse individuals whom claim to have been acting in an agentic state when in actuality they were acting autonomously. However, can being in an agentic state ever excuse certain behaviours?
Which study can’t the Agentic State explain?
Why some of Milgram’s participants still didn’t obey
What is Obedience?
A form of social influence in which an individual’s behaviour is in response to an order from another individual, typically one in a position of power
