Milgram (obedience) Flashcards
When was Milgram carried out?
1963
What is the background of the Milgram study?
The Nazi extermination of Jews and other groups they deemed unsuitable during WW2. - agentic state.
History and observation, has proved that obedience will override training in ethics, moral views and empathy. People fall into the agentic state and follow blindly to authority figures wishes.
What is the aim of the Milgram study?
To investigate obedience by taking how far individuals obey an authority figure, even when orders go against moral codes that individuals should not hurt others.
What is the sample in the Milgram study?
40 American men from New Haven, 20-50 years old (various occupations), who were not in high school or college .
What are the Materials/ Apparatus used in Milgram study?
Used a shock generator.
It was recorded on a magnetic tape.
Photographs were taken through a one way mirror.
Notes were kept on any unusual behaviour occuring.
Sometimes, additional observers were directed to write objective descriptions of the subjects’ behaviours.
What were the procedures of the Milgram study?
Paid $4.50 and deceived that study was the effect of punishment on memory. Once they got there, they were told that they could withdraw at any moment, they already had the money.
A fixed draw made the participants, A teacher and a learner. The teacher was really a 47 year old American Irish actor “Mr Wallace” the learnen. The person carrying it out wore a white coat.
Shown a generator from 15-450V, and given a real eclectic show of 45V to demonstrate the equipment.
What is the independent variable?
Only 1 condition so controlled observation
What is the dependent variable?
- the participants’ willingness to obey the instruction (what volts people would go to 15v-350v, measuring how much they would disobey an authority figure)
What actions happened at what point?
Normal answers: 15-285
Thumping heard from the other room: 300
Thumpin heard again: 315
Silence for the last 9 questions till 450: 330-450
What are the Prods in milgram?
Prod 1
Please continue
Please go on
Prod 2
The experiment requires that you go on
Prod 3
It is absolutely essential that you continue
Prod 4
You have no other choice, you must go on
What results did milgram get ?
100% went to 300 volts.
65% went to 450 volts (26/40)
What was the pre-study study prediction in milgram ?
Predicted only 1-3% of participants would give the highest volt shock. A survey of colleagues found most agreed with the findings.
