Photo AI
Aaondi is a country that has had the same president for 20 years - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 5 - 2019 - Paper 3
Question 5
Aaondi is a country that has had the same president for 20 years. The president orders the citizens to grow specific vegetables in their gardens, reduce water consum... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Aaondi is a country that has had the same president for 20 years - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 5 - 2019 - Paper 3
Step 1
AO1: Explain the concept of agency theory.
Answer
Agency theory posits that individuals tend to obey authority figures when in an agentic state, which is a condition in which people see themselves as agents executing orders given by someone in authority. This concept helps explain why Aaondians may comply with the president's orders, as their obedience stems from a perceived obligation to follow an authority figure, which can be viewed as advantageous for social order.
Step 2
AO2: Discuss the situation of Aaondians in relation to authority.
Answer
Aaondians, having lived under the same president for 20 years, have developed a habitual compliance to authority. The president's commands, clearly communicated through various media, reinforce the importance of obedience. The specific focus on tasks like reducing water and managing waste highlights that citizens may obey not just for fear of punishment but also due to the social benefits that come from collective action.
Step 3
AO3: Evaluate the strengths and limitations of agency theory.
Answer
While agency theory provides a useful framework for understanding obedience, as demonstrated in Milgram's studies, it does not account for individual differences such as personality traits or cultural influences. For example, specific individuals in Aaondi might resist the president's orders out of moral or personal beliefs, experiencing moral strain. Furthermore, biological factors and social conditioning can also influence behavior, which agency theory alone does not fully encompass. Thus, while agency theory is relevant, it needs to be considered alongside other psychological perspectives to fully explain human behavior in the context of Aaondi.