Milgram: Evaluation Flashcards
why is the laboratory experiment a strength of the experiment
theres more control over extraneous variables
how does Milgrams exp have demand characteristics
P might’ve figured out that the shocks arent real
what is a counterpoint to the demand characteristics limitation
- P were showing signs of distress meaning they felt guilty for “giving shocks”
- therefore they didn’t think the shocks were fake
why doesMilgram lack ecological validity
- an artificial task and situation
- P might behave differently to real life
why does the exp lack generalisability
P were white, middle class men
- results cant be generalised to other genders, cultures or classes
why does the exp lack population validity
- studies have proven that women tend to be more obedient than men but the exp only uses men so the results cant be applied to women / whole pop
why is the exp classed an unethical
- makes the P feel distressed > psychological harm towards the P
- he deceived P > said it was a learning study and didn’t say the learner was a confed
- no informed consent
- no right to withdraw
summarise the strengths of the study
- lab experiment > establishes cause and effect
summarise the limitations of the study
- lacks generalisability
- lacks ecological validity > not realistic
- demand characteristics
- lacks population validity
- unethical
what was Milgrams counterpoint to the claims of psychological harm
- P didn’t regret taking part - only 2%
what was Milgrams counterpoint response to the claims of unethical deception
deception was necessary for the exp to work and P were debriefed at the end
what was Milgrams counterpoint to the unethical points of P not being able to withdraw
- he paid P beforehand so they could if they wanted to
- 35% of P did withdraw
