Contemporary Study: Burger (2009)

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

See whether Milgram’s findings were era-bound.
And whether obedience is affected by gender and personality.

Question 2

Sample

Answer 2

Lab experiment
Independent Groups

29 men, 41 women aged 20-81

Question 3

Procedure:

Answer 3

Stopped shocks at 150v to reduce anxiety levels.

2 step screening process excluding people who had negative reactions.

15v shock at start to the PP.

Question 4

Ethics

Answer 4

PP debriefed immediately and met the actor and told them shocks were fake.

Clinical psychologist observed all trials and ended trial if anyone was excessively distressed.

3 reminders of right to withdraw.

Question 5

Self-Report Questionnaires

Answer 5

Empathetic Concern

Desire for personal control.

Question 6

When did the trial end?

Answer 6

Researcher recorded final shock given and terminated trial when PP refused to continue, hearing all 4 prods or administered 150v.

Question 7

Findings

Answer 7

Obedience rate lower than Milgram.

70% pressed 150v compared to 82.5% in M.

No sig diff in obedience rates between men and women.

Question 8

Findings Personality

Answer 8

No sig diff in empathetic concern between defiant and obedient PP.

Defiant scored sig higher desire for personal control scores than obedient.

Question 9

Conclusions

Answer 9

M’s findings are not era-bound or androcentric.

Lack of empathy not a valid explanation for for high obedience rates.

Personal control does seem to determine likelihood of defiance.