Explanations for obediance Milgram

What is agentic state?

Individual sees themselves as acting on behalf of an authority figure. People experience moral strain but continue to obey because they believe the responsibility lies with authority figure

What is legitimacy of authority?

People are more likely to obey someone who they see as having legitimate power due to their position in a social hierarchy. Legitimacy is increased b external symbols like uniform, location

Explain supporting evidence as a strength of agentic state

Supported by Milgram’s study. Participants showed clear signs of distress but still obeyed experimenters instructions. They saw themselves as agents of authority

Explain individual differences as a limitation for agentic state

Cannot account for individual differences in obedience. 65% participants obeyed to highest shock but 35% didn’t. If agentic shift was automatic we would expect obedience rates to be higher. Explanation is to simplistic and cannot fully explain

Explain supporting evidence as a strength of legitimacy of authority

Supported by research from Bickman. In New York passers-by were more likely to obey someone in a security guard uniform (92%) compared to a normal clothed (49%). Visible signs of authority increases obedience

Explain real life explanations as a strength of legitimacy of authority

My Lai massacre during Vietnam war. American soldiers followed orders from higher ranking to kill hundreds of people just because they were told to. People obey when they see authority as part of a legitimate military hierarchy. However, not all soldiers followed orders suggesting our morals can override it