9. Obedience: Milgram's Research AO3 Flashcards
Name a strength of Milgram’s research
Has good external validity - he argued lab based relationship between experimenter and participant reflected wider real life authority relationships
Name some research support for Milgram
Holfling et al
What did Hofling find?
Levels of obedience in nurses on a ward to unjustified demands by doctors were very high (21/22 obeyed)
How does hofling’s research support Milgram
The process of obedience in Milgram’s study can be generalised.
Name a second strength of Milgram’s research
Replications have supported his findings
Give an example of a replication to support Milgram’s study
In a French documentary - contestant in a reality game show were paid to give (fake) electric shocks to other participants - when told to by presented
What were the results of the Milgram replication
- 80% gave maximum 450V to ‘unconscious’ man
- behaviour like Milgram’s
- many signs of anxiety
How does this replication support Milgram
Supports original conclusions of obedience to authority by showing his findings weren’t a one off
Name a limitation of Milgram’s research
Ethical issues associated with the research - criticised for deceptions - participants believed roles were randomly allocated - was fixed
What was Milgram’s most significant depletion
Participants believed shocks were real - a betrayal of trust that damages reputation of psychologists - also may be less likely to volunteer in future if they’re deceived.
