Milgram's variations

Question 1

What happened in Milgram’s Variation 10 (Rundown Office Block)?

Answer 1

• study moved from Yale University to a run-down office building in Bridgeport.
• was presented as being run by “Research Associates of Bridgeport”, with no official university link.
• Procedure stayed the same — participant = “teacher”, confederate = “learner”, shocks given for wrong answers.

Question 2

What were the results of Milgram’s Variation 10?

Answer 2

• Obedience dropped to 47.5% (from 65% in the original).
• Participants appeared more doubtful of the study’s legitimacy.
• Some participants questioned whether the experimenter had authority to give orders.

Question 3

What conclusions were drawn from Milgram’s Variation 10?

Answer 3

• status and prestige of the setting affects obedience.
• Without Yale’s authority, participants were less likely to obey.
• Shows legitimacy of authority is an important factor.

Question 4

What happened in Milgram’s Variation 7 (Telephonic Instructions)?

Answer 4

• experimenter gave orders over phone instead of being in the same room.
• participant was still with the learner and shock machine.
• All other procedures remained the same.

Question 5

What were the results of Milgram’s Variation 7?

Answer 5

• Obedience dropped sharply to 22.5%.
• Many participants lied and said they were giving shocks when they weren’t.
• Some participants disobeyed openly once the experimenter was out of sight.

Question 6

What conclusions were drawn from Milgram’s Variation 7?

Answer 6

• importance of proximity to authority.
• When the experimenter isn’t physically present, it’s easier to resist authority.
• Physical presence seems to increase pressure to obey.

Question 7

What happened in Milgram’s Variation 13 (Ordinary Man)?

Answer 7

• An “ordinary man” (confederate) gave the instructions to give shocks, not the experimenter.
• experimenter left the room early.
• man had no authority symbols (no lab coat or official title).
• setup made it seem like the ordinary man was in charge

Question 8

What were the results of Milgram’s Variation 13?

Answer 8

• Obedience dropped to 20%.
• Many participants were uncomfortable taking orders from someone without authority.
• Some challenged the man’s right to give instructions.

Question 9

What conclusions were drawn from Milgram’s Variation 13?

Answer 9

• perceived legitimacy of the authority figure is key to obedience.
• People less likely to obey if authority figure appears ordinary or unofficial.
• Authority must be seen as genuine and legitimate.