Milgrim - Evaluation

Question 1

What are 3 strengths of Milgram’s study?

Answer 1

• Participants confidentiality was kept, no names were released.
• Provided useful information about the nature of obedience.
• No one was harmed in the experiment, even if they were under a large amount of stress.
• Collected both quantitative and qualitative data which increased the validity of the study.
• Amount of control he administered over the experiment such as the fixed hat pick and the standardised method of experimenter prods.
• Withdrawal was possible and PPs told at the start they are able to withdraw and keep the money.

Question 2

What are 3 weaknesses of Milgram’s study?

Answer 2

• Participants came under a huge amount of stress, with one having a fit.
• Not ecologically valid as it was carried out in an artificial lab setting + speakers were used to project screams + learner’s cheque was tattered.
• Unrepresentative sample as they were all men between 20-50 from New Haven.
• Inadequate measures taken to protect PPs. They were only followed up a year after and were given a small debriefing.