Milgram

Question 1

Describe 4 factors of milgrams variations and how his results were effected (different factors affecting obedience)

Answer 1

1. Legitimate authority - not in Yale + in casual clothes = obedience = 52%
2. Proximity- remove the buffer between participant and fake learner= obedience = 40%
3. Presence of authority- fake experimenter on phone = obedience = 20.5%
4. Peers - fake teacher pressed buttons = obedience = 92.5%

Question 2

Who’s studies are linked to milgrams study and give a brief summary

Answer 2

Holfling- nurses giving overdose of drugs
Zimbadro- Stanford prison experiment
Bickman- uniform on obedience (bickman = milkman)
Milgrams variations

Orne- said P’s didn’t believe in electric shock + irl wouldn’t happen

Question 3

What were the weaknesses of milgrams study

Answer 3

Ethically incorrect
Study would not be allowed to be completed today
Low ecological validity
Low mundane realism

Question 4

What were the strengths of milgrams study

Answer 4

Ground breaking - highly influential
Still studied over 50 years later
84% were glad to have been in the experiment despite ethical issues
High control over variables

Question 5

What were the findings of milgrams original study

Answer 5

26/40 (65%) continued to 450v ( maximum)

Many participants showed hesitation or signs of distress but no one stopped before 300v

Question 6

What were the ethical concerns with milgrams study

Answer 6

Deception
Not given : Right to withdraw
Protection from psychological harm
Informed consent

Question 7

Describe some facts about the set up of milgrams experiment in relation to voltages, machine and learner

Answer 7

Shocks went up to 450v
Machine was labelled eg. 375 - danger severe shock
Learner shouted in pain but after 315 went silent

Question 8

Describe milgrams method (OG)

Answer 8

40 volunteers for a memory and learning experience
Confederate (actor) - mr Wallace
1 teacher and 1 learner - volunteer always the teacher
If leaner answered wrong a shock was administered- level of shock increased with each wrong answer
If participants hesitated, the experimenter would use a verbal prod

Question 9

What was milgrams aim

Answer 9

To find out how obedient normal people are to an authority figures
To give a baseline for future studies