Evaluation of Milgram's experiment and it's variations

Question 1

Milgram argues that a strength of his study is that is accurately represented obedience in real life. Why is this a strength (Example)

Answer 1

The relationship between experimenter and the participant was a true depiction of an authoritarian relationship.

Question 2

Milgram argues that a strength of his study is that is accurately represented obedience in real life. Why is this a strength (Explanation)

Answer 2

Study holds validity as the findings can be accurately explain obedience to authority in real life situations.

Question 3

One problem with Milgram’s original study is that there is an alternative explanation. Why is this a problem (Example)

Answer 3

Haslam analysed the behaviour of Milgram’s participants and found that only the 4th prod demanded obedience and when this was used participants quit the experiment.

Question 4

One problem with Milgram’s original study is that there is an alternative explanation. Why is this a problem (Explanation)

Answer 4

Conflicting explanations present 2 ideas for obedience. Milgram’s suggests that obedience was from an authority figure. However, they may obey as they’re not aware of the effect they have on others.

Question 5

One strength of Milgram’s uniform variation is that here is research to support. Why is this a strength (Example)

Answer 5

Bickman created a field experiment in New York. 38% of participants would pick up litter when asked to by security guard and 14% for a milkman.

Question 6

One strength of Milgram’s uniform variation is that here is research to support. Why is this a strength (Explanation)

Answer 6

This provides supporting evidence to Milgram’s variation which increases the validity as an explanation for uniform affecting obedience.

Question 7

Another strength of Milgram’s variation research is that there is cross-cultural support for it. Why is this a strength. (Example)

Answer 7

Miranda’s replication of Milgram’s experiment showed that 90% of Spanish students obeyed the experimenter.

Question 8

Another strength of Milgram’s variation research is that there is cross-cultural support for it. Why is this a strength. (Explanation)

Answer 8

Important as unsure that Milgram’s variation findings can be generalised to collectivist cultures. Therefore the idea that obedience can’t be explained by the situation we are limited to certain groups within society.