Milgram's original experiment

Question 1

Aims of the study?

Answer 1

Milgram wanted to observe how obedient participants will be when following orders, even if it means breaking their moral code and harming another person.

Question 2

Procedure?

Answer 2

He offered $4.50 car fare to each participant. Conducted at Yale university.Participants met an experimenter and another ‘participant’ (a stooge). A rigged lot was drawn, and Mr Wallace was strapped in. Both participants received a 45v shock to prove the study. The shocks went up in 15v and after a few, Mr Wallace was heard complaining about his heart, and was demanding to be let out. At 300v. He pounds on the wall, and at 315, he falls silent. Participants were told verbal prods if they hesitated.

Question 3

Results?

Answer 3

All 40 went to 300v. 65% went to 450v. They received a debrief, and reassured that they had behaved normally, and Mr Wallace is okay.

Question 4

Conclusion?

Answer 4

This shows that people will obey if an authority figure is present.