Milgram Flashcards
Define obediance
Following the orders of others, particularly those in positions of authority
Define moral strain
A negative feeling caused by doing something we believe to be morally wrong but feel compelled to do because of the situation
What real life event was Milgram inspired by?
Behaviour of German soldiers in concentration camps during WW2
What was the aim of the study?
To investigate whether there is an obediant type -someone who follows orders to be cruel to others- or whether this type of obediance is something we are all capable of in certain circumstances
Prior to the study taking place what percentage did psychology experts belive would be totally obediant?
0.1%
What is this value equivelant to?
The level of anti social psychopaths thought to be in the community
What research method did Milgram use?
Lab study - done in a controlled environment but there was no IV
How many participants were used in the study?
40 males
What was the age range of the participants?
20-50
How were participants recruited?
Volunteer sample - Responded to a newspaper advert
What did participants think they were taking part in?
A study on memory
What were the ‘‘prods’’ used by the experimentor if the participant hesitated?
Please continue
The experiment requires that you continue
It is absolutely essential that you continue
You have no other choice you must go on
The shocks may be painful but there is no permenant tissue damage please go on
Whether the learner likes it or not you must go on
What was the minimum voltage all participants went to?
300 volts
What percentage of participants went to the maximum shock (450 volts)?
65%
How did some participants how moral strain?
Sweating
Nervous laughter
3 had full blown seizures
