Study Edexcel Psychology theories of obedience by applying agency theory, agentic state, moral strain and social power theory to authority, research evidence and evaluation.
Milgram (1963) conducted research into obedience using a laboratory experiment. His original study was conducted at Yale University with male participants recruited using an advert in a local newspaper.
Explain one strength and one weakness of agency theory as an explanation of obedience to authority.
AO1 (2 marks) AO3 (2 marks)
Credit one mark for accurate identification of one strength and
one weakness (AO1)
Credit one mark for justification of each strength and each
weakness (AO3)
Strength
For example:
• Agency theory, which includes the concept of blind
obedience, is supported by a number of research studies
(1). Burger’s (2009) replication of Milgram’s original study
found that participants followed instructions and
administered shocks to the learners, supporting blind
obedience (1).
Weakness
For example:
• The theory relies on the concept of agentic state
behaviour in the presence of authority (1) so it does not
explain obedience to authority when an authority figure is
distant, such as following the law when police are not
nearby (1).
Look for other reasonable marking points.
(4)