milgram - situational variables

Question 1

proximity

Answer 1

• proximity variation, teacher and learner were in the same room and the obedience rate dropped from 65% to 40%
• touch proximity variation, the teacher had to force the learner’s hand onto a shock plate. The obedience rate dropped to 30%
• remote proximity variation, the experimenter left the room and gave instructions by telephone. The obedience rate dropped to 20.5%.
• Decreased proximity allows people to psychologically distance themselves from the consequences of their actions

Question 2

location

Answer 2

• run-down building rather than a prestigious university setting in the original study = obedience fell to 47.5%
• University = legitimacy and authority in the eyes of the participants

Question 3

uniform

Answer 3

• The experimenter was called away because of a telephone call right at the start of the procedure and so the role of the experimenter was taken over by an ‘ordinary member of the public’ in everyday clothes rather than a lab coat - obedience rate dropped to 20%
• Uniform = legitimacy of authority