milgram shock experiment (1963) Flashcards
What was the aim of Milgram’s study?
To measure how far participants would obey an authority figure who instructed them to perform acts that conflicted with their conscience.
How was Milgram’s sample selected?
Through volunteer sampling, advertised in a local newspaper.
What was the composition of Milgram’s sample?
40 male participants from a range of occupations and backgrounds.
How were roles assigned in Milgram’s study?
A rigged draw ensured participants always became the teacher, while learners were confederates.
What was the task given to the teachers?
To read word pairs to the learner and administer an electric shock for incorrect answers, starting at 15 volts and increasing to 450 volts.
What did the learners (confederates) do during the study?
They acted as if the shocks were real, including pounding on the wall, screaming, pleading, and eventually becoming silent as though they had collapsed.
What controls were used in the experiment?
Standardized prompts like “The experiment requires that you continue,” and ensuring the setup was consistent for all participants.
What were the consequences of the procedure for participants?
- Extreme nervous tension (e.g., sweating, nervous laughter).
- Continual reassurance seeking from the experimenter.
- One participant experienced an epileptic fit.
How many participants continued to the maximum 450 volts?
26 out of 40 participants.
How many participants stopped at or after 300 volts?
14 participants refused to continue at various levels after 300 volts.
At which specific volt levels did participants refuse to continue?
5 at 300V, 4 at 315V, 2 at 330V, and 1 each at 345V, 360V, and 375V.
What is the purpose of a debriefing?
To explain all relevant details of the study, especially if deception was used, and ensure participants leave in the same state they entered.
How were participants debriefed in Milgram’s study?
They were told their behavior was normal, informed of the true nature of the experiment, and followed up a year later to ensure no long-term psychological harm.
At what intervals did the shocks increase?
In 15-volt increments, starting at 15 volts and going up to 450 volts.
