Explanations (situational) of Obedience

What is a situational variable?

External factors of the environment that may influence an individual’s behaviour

What is the agentic state?

A mental state that allows people to minimise their responsibility about their behaviour, act for an authority figure. Don’t blame themselves for the consequences

Examples of agentic state

The My Lai massacre, trial of Adolf Eichmann 1961, Milgram’s study

The My Lai massacre

During the Vietnam War when armed soldiers were commanded to attack unarmed villagers by their captain

Trial of Adolf Eichmann

Was in charge of the Nazi death camps and his defence was that he was obeying orders

What is the autonomous state?

When a person acts independently. Behave according to their morals and know they are responsible for their actions

What is the agentic shift?

The shift from autonomous to agentic state. Occurs in the presence of an authority figure

What is moral strain?

Individuals shifting from the autonomous state to the agent state and experience inner moral conflict, don’t want to go against their moral conscience

What is a binding factor?

Aspects of a situation that allow the person to ignore or minimise the damaging effect of their behaviour. Reduces moral strain

What is meant by legitimacy of authority?

An authority figure who has a legitimate status to issue orders due to their position of power within a social hierarchy. An individual is more likely to obey orders

Destructive authority

Legitimate authority figures using their power for corrupt, destructive purposes. Ordering people to behave in cruel, dangerous ways