agentic state and legitimacy of authority

Question 1

agentic state

Answer 1

state in which a person believes someone else will take responsibility for their actions

Question 2

Agentic Shift

Answer 2

transition from an autonomous state to an agentic state

Question 3

agency theory

Answer 3

people are more likely to obey when in an agentic state because they do not believe they will face consequences

Question 4

legitimacy of authority

Answer 4

the credibility of an authority figure, which affects obedience levels

Question 5

how does moral credibility affect obedience

Answer 5

people are more likely to obey authority figures seen as morally good or legitimate

Question 6

expert authority in the context of Milgram’s study

Answer 6

the perception that the experimenter is knowledgeable and responsible due to their position as a scientist

Question 7

situational factors in obedience

Answer 7

authority figure, location, and proximity

Question 8

how does wearing a uniform affect obedience

Answer 8

increases perceived status and legitimacy, leading to higher obedience

Question 9

impact of location on obedience in Milgram’s study

Answer 9

obedience was higher in a prestigious location (Yale) compared to a rundown office

Question 10

how does proximity to the authority figure influence obedience

Answer 10

closer proximity increases pressure to obey and decreases pressure to resist

Question 11

obedience levels when the experimenter was in the same room versus over the phone

Answer 11

62.5% obedience in the same room vs. 20.5% when instructions were given over the phone

Question 12

Fill in the blank: People are more likely to obey someone in a location linked to _______

Answer 12

higher status and legitimacy

Question 13

supporting evidence

Answer 13

Milgram 1963
participants obeyed because they entered an agentic state – seeing themselves as agents executing someone else’s orders and not responsible for their actions

Question 14

counter

Answer 14

argued that not all participants were in this state. Some may have simply obeyed due to the perceived legitimacy of the experimenter’s authority, especially in a prestigious setting like Yale University

Question 15

individual differences

Answer 15

not all participants obeyed to the full 450 volts, suggesting individual differences, such as personality traits (e.g., levels of authoritarianism or empathy), may also influence obedience levels