A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

What does the term "Agentic State" refer to in Milgram's experiment?

1. A state of full autonomy by participants

2. Individuals acting due to their own morals

3. Being an agent of someone else's orders

4. A psychological state of resistance

The correct answer is: Being an agent of someone else's orders

The term "Agentic State" in the context of Milgram's experiment refers to a psychological condition in which individuals see themselves as agents executing the wishes or orders of someone in authority, which in this case is the experimenter. When individuals enter this state, they feel a diminished sense of personal responsibility for their actions, as they believe that they are merely carrying out orders rather than making independent choices. This concept is significant because it explains how ordinary people can commit acts that conflict with their personal morals when instructed by an authority figure. The concept of the Agentic State highlights the powerful influence of authoritative commands on behavior, which was a key finding in Milgram's research. It demonstrates how situational factors, such as the presence of an authority figure, can lead people to act in ways that they might not typically consider. In the experiment, many participants were able to administer supposedly harmful electric shocks to others because they believed they were acting on the authority of the scientist conducting the study, thereby relinquishing their moral responsibility. Understanding the Agentic State helps clarify the dynamics of obedience and authority in social psychology, illustrating how context can shape individual behavior.