Milgram (1963) (Obedience) Flashcards
What was the aim of Milgram’s study?
To investigate whether people would obey authority even if it meant harming others.
What research method was used in Milgram’s study?
Controlled observation in a laboratory setting.
Where was Milgram’s study conducted?
Linsly-Chittenden Hall at Yale University.
What experimental design was used in Milgram’s study?
Independent measures design.
How were participants recruited for Milgram’s study?
Through a newspaper advertisement (self-selecting sampling).
How many participants took part in Milgram’s study?
40 men aged 20-50 from New Haven with varied educational backgrounds.
What roles were assigned to participants in the study?
Participants were always assigned as ‘teachers,’ while the confederate (Mr. Wallace) was always the ‘learner.’
Who were the two main confederates in the study?
Mr. William (experimenter, 31-year-old male teacher) and Mr. Wallace (learner, 47-year-old accountant).
What was the deception used in Milgram’s study?
Participants were falsely told the study was about memory and learning.
What was the purpose of the test shock given to participants?
To convince participants that the shock generator was real.
What was the voltage range of the shock generator?
15 volts to 450 volts, increasing in 15v increments.
What happened when the learner received a 300v shock?
The learner pounded on the wall and then stopped responding.
What percentage of participants administered the maximum 450v shock?
65% (26 out of 40 participants).
How many participants stopped at 300v?
5 participants.
What was the mean voltage administered by participants?
368 volts.
What were some physical and emotional reactions of participants?
Sweating, shaking, nervous laughter, and smiling.
How was qualitative data collected in the study?
Through observations of behavior and post-experiment interviews.
What were some situational factors influencing obedience in Milgram’s study?
Legitimacy of Yale, authority figure presence, perceived obligation, and lack of responsibility.
What did Milgram conclude about obedience?
People are more obedient to authority than expected, even when it conflicts with moral values.
What ethical issues were present in Milgram’s study?
Deception, lack of informed consent, psychological distress, and difficulty withdrawing.
How does Milgram’s study support situational explanations for behavior?
It suggests obedience is influenced more by the environment and authority rather than personality traits.
What does Milgram’s study say about individual differences?
While most obeyed, some resisted authority, indicating individual differences in obedience levels.
How does Milgram’s study relate to the nature vs. nurture debate?
It supports nurture, as obedience was influenced by external factors rather than innate traits.
What real-world applications does Milgram’s study have?
Understanding authority compliance in workplaces, education, and medical settings (e.g., whistle-blowing policies).
What is one strength of Milgram’s study?
High control over variables, ensuring reliability and replicability.
What is one weakness of Milgram’s study?
Low generalizability as all participants were male and from the same area.
Why was the study considered valid?
The realistic setup, including the shock generator and test shock, made participants believe their actions had consequences.
