Core Studies - Social Psychology - Milgram’s Study

Question 1

Milgram aim

Answer 1

To investigate what levels of obedience would be shown when participants were told by an authority figure to administer electric shocks to another person

Question 2

Milgram’s sample

Answer 2

• 40 males
• 20-50 years of age
• New Haven Area

Question 3

Sampling method

Answer 3

• Volunteer sampling
• Asked to participate in study of memory
• Advertised in the local newspaper
• Paid $4.50 for participation

Question 4

Confederates

Answer 4

• Experimenter was Jack Williams who wore white lab coat and appeared stern
• Victim was Mr Wallace who was mild mannered and likeable

Question 5

Materials used

Answer 5

• Fake shock generator

Question 6

Research method

Answer 6

• Controlled observation
• Took place in psych lab at Yale Uni

Question 7

Data collection

Answer 7

• Participants were observed through a one way mirror
• Occasionally videos and photographs were taken

Question 8

Quantitative findings

Answer 8

• 65% obeyed and administered electric shocks up to 450 volts
• 100% shocked up to 300 volts

Question 9

Qualitative findings

Answer 9

• Sweating, trembling and digging fingernails into flesh
• 14 participants went into nervous laughing fits
• 3 participants had uncontrollable seizures
• Verbal comments such as “This is crazy” and “The guy is suffering in there”