Evaluating Milgram's Original Study

Question 1

Give one strength on Milgram’s Study using HIGH RELIABILITY

Answer 1

• conducted in lab under controlled conditions using standardized procedures.
• e.g. each participant heard same fake responses from confederate and same prods from experimenter during study.

-This is a strength because the study can easily be replicated by other researchers , giving it greater reliability.

Question 2

Give one strength on Milgram’s Study using HIGH INTERNAL VALIDITY

Answer 2

• carried at Yale Uni in lab setting and the reaction (sweating, anger) suggests that demand characteristics were avoided. It also meant there was no possible distractions from outside and inside the room
• This is a strength because we can be confident that the study measures obedience and no other variables that could affect it.

Question 3

List two possible strengths of Milgram’s Study:

Answer 3

• High reliability

- High internal Validity

Question 4

List two possible weaknesses of Milgram’s Study

Answer 4

• Low population validity

- Ethical issues

Question 5

Give one weakness on Milgram’s Study using LOW POPULATION STUDY

Answer 5

• only 40 men were used in one part of USA
• This is a weakness because it is not known if women or people out of USA would show same levels obedience , so we cant generalise findings to other people of other cultures.

Question 6

Give one weakness on Milgram’s Study using ETHICAL ISSUES

Answer 6

• Milgram deceived the participants of the true aims of expt.
• For e.g: participants were told that shocks were real and made to believe that they were causing harm- could have caused psychological harm to teacher

-This is a weakness because he broke ethical guidelines and this raises questions whether it should have been allowed to take place.