The Milgram experimentand related studies on obedience are crucial... Show more
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
8
0
Shannon Walker
10/10/2025
Psychology
Evaluation of agentic state and legitimacy of authority
198
•
10 Oct 2025
•
Why We Obey: Agentic State and Legitimacy of Authority
Explanations of Obedience: Agentic State and Legitimacy of Authority
This page discusses two key explanations for obedience: the Agentic State theory and Legitimacy of Authority. It evaluates their strengths and limitations in explaining obedience across different scenarios and cultures.
The Agentic State theory, proposed to explain findings from the Milgram obedience study, suggests that individuals shift from an autonomous state to an agentic state when following orders. However, this theory faces challenges in explaining certain research findings.
Example: In Milgram's study, not all participants obeyed fully, with only 65% administering the maximum 450-volt shock. This contradicts the expectation that all participants would shift to an agentic state.
Highlight: The Rank and Jacobson study found that 16 out of 18 nurses disobeyed a doctor's orders to administer an excessive drug dose, challenging the Agentic State theory's applicability in real-world scenarios.
The theory also struggles to explain findings from Hofling's study on nurses, where participants did not experience high anxiety as predicted by the Agentic State theory.
Definition: Agentic state refers to a condition where an individual sees themselves as an agent carrying out another person's wishes, rather than being responsible for their own actions.
Legitimacy of Authority as an explanation for obedience offers insights into cultural differences in obedience rates.
Example: Kilham and Mann (1974) replicated Milgram's research in Australia, finding only 16% of participants administered the maximum voltage, while Mantell (1971) found 85% obedience among German participants.
This theory suggests that cultural perceptions of authority and social hierarchies influence obedience levels. However, it has limitations in explaining instances of disobedience within clear hierarchical structures.
Vocabulary: Legitimacy of authority refers to the perceived right of an authority figure to issue commands and expect obedience.
Both theories contribute to our understanding of obedience but have limitations in fully explaining all observed behaviors. The complexity of human obedience suggests that multiple factors, including situational and dispositional explanations, may play a role.
Highlight: The inability of these theories to explain all instances of obedience and disobedience indicates that obedience is a complex phenomenon influenced by various factors, including individual personality traits and specific situational contexts.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Psychology
10 Oct 2025
198
1 page
Why We Obey: Agentic State and Legitimacy of Authority
The Milgram experimentand related studies on obedience are crucial in understanding human behavior in response to authority. This summary explores two key explanations for obedience: the Agentic State theory... Show more
Explanations of Obedience Agentic State and Legitimacy of Authority
This page discusses two key explanations for obedience the Agentic State theory and Legitimacy of Authority. It evaluates their strengths and limitations in explaining obedience across different scenarios and cultures.
The Agentic State theory, proposed to explain findings from the Milgram obedience study, suggests that individuals shift from an autonomous state to an agentic state when following orders. However, this theory faces challenges in explaining certain research findings.
Example In Milgram's study, not all participants obeyed fully, with only 65% administering the maximum 450-volt shock. This contradicts the expectation that all participants would shift to an agentic state.
Highlight The Rank and Jacobson study found that 16 out of 18 nurses disobeyed a doctor's orders to administer an excessive drug dose, challenging the Agentic State theory's applicability in real-world scenarios.
The theory also struggles to explain findings from Hofling's study on nurses, where participants did not experience high anxiety as predicted by the Agentic State theory.
Definition Agentic state refers to a condition where an individual sees themselves as an agent carrying out another person's wishes, rather than being responsible for their own actions.
Legitimacy of Authority as an explanation for obedience offers insights into cultural differences in obedience rates.
Example Kilham and Mann (1974) replicated Milgram's research in Australia, finding only 16% of participants administered the maximum voltage, while Mantell (1971) found 85% obedience among German participants.
This theory suggests that cultural perceptions of authority and social hierarchies influence obedience levels. However, it has limitations in explaining instances of disobedience within clear hierarchical structures.
Vocabulary Legitimacy of authority refers to the perceived right of an authority figure to issue commands and expect obedience.
Both theories contribute to our understanding of obedience but have limitations in fully explaining all observed behaviors. The complexity of human obedience suggests that multiple factors, including situational and dispositional explanations, may play a role.
Highlight The inability of these theories to explain all instances of obedience and disobedience indicates that obedience is a complex phenomenon influenced by various factors, including individual personality traits and specific situational contexts.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
8
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Similar content
Defying Social Influence
Explore the mechanisms of resistance to social influence through social support and locus of control. This summary covers key studies, including Asch's and Milgram's experiments, and discusses how internal and external locus of control affects conformity and obedience. Ideal for psychology students seeking to understand the dynamics of social behavior.
Psychology12
Authoritarian Personality & Obedience
Explore the relationship between authoritarian personality traits and obedience in social psychology. This summary covers key findings from Adorno et al. (1950) and Milgram's research, highlighting the origins of authoritarianism, its characteristics, and critical evaluations of the F-scale. Ideal for psychology students studying social influence and obedience research.
Psychology12
Critiques of Zimbardo's Experiment
Explore two key criticisms of Zimbardo's Stanford Prison Experiment, focusing on its androcentric bias and ethical concerns regarding participant deception and potential psychological harm. This exam question summary provides essential insights for understanding the limitations of the research in the context of conformity to social roles.
Psychology12
Obedience and Authority Dynamics
Explore the key social-psychological factors influencing obedience, including Milgram's experiment, agentic state, legitimacy of authority, and binding factors. This summary delves into research findings, cultural differences in obedience, and real-life implications of authority in social contexts. Ideal for psychology students studying social influence.
Psychology12
Asch's Conformity Evaluation
Explore a critical evaluation of Asch's conformity experiments, focusing on cultural bias, ethical concerns, and the impact of gender. This summary highlights key findings, limitations, and implications for understanding conformity across different contexts. Ideal for psychology students preparing for exams or discussions.
Psychology12
Psychology - Chapter 12: Social Psychology
12.1 What is Socia Psychology Social psychology is the subfield of psychology that studies the power of the situation to influence individuals’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Psychologists categorize the causes of human behavior as those due to intern
AP PsychologyCan't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user