Paper 1 - Social Influence - Topic 1 - Obedience: Situational Variables Flashcards
What did Stanley Milgram study?
Stanley Milgram studied obedience through a series of variations on his initial experiment
What is the effect of proximity on obedience in Milgram’s study?
When the teacher and Learner were in the same room, obedience dropped from 65% to 40%
What happened in the touch proximity variation?
In the touch proximity variation, the Teacher had to force the Learner’s hand onto an electroshock plate, resulting in obedience dropping to 30%
What was the obedience rate in the remote instruction variation?
In the remote instruction variation, where the Experimenter gave instructions by phone, obedience reduced to 20.5%
What is the explanation for decreased proximity leading to lower obedience?
Decreased proximity allows people to psychologically distance themselves from the consequences of their actions?
What was the effect of changing the location of the study?
When the study was moved to a run-down office, obedience fell to 47.5%
Why did the prestigious university setting increase obedience?
The prestigious university environment gave the study legitimacy and authority, leading to higher obedience
What was the impact of the uniform on obedience?
When the Experimenter was replaced by an ordinary member of the public, obedience dropped to 20% the lowest of the variations
What do uniforms symbolise in terms of obedience?
Uniforms are widely recognised symbols of authority that encourage obedience
What research supports the influence of situational variables on obedience? (Uniform)
Leonard Bickman’s field experiment showed that people were more likely to obey a security guard than someone in a jacket and tie
What did cross-cultural replications of Milgram’s study find?
Replications in other cultures, such as the Dutch study by Wim Meeus and Quintin Raaijmakers, found similar obedience rates, suggesting that Milgram’s findings on American Males can be applied to other cultures
What is a limitation of Milgram’s research regarding cultural applicability?
Only two replications occurred in culturally different countries, suggesting findings may not apply universally
What is a criticism regarding the internal validity of Milgram’s studies?
Participants may have recognised the procedure was faked, leading to doubts about the authenticity of their obedience = demand characteristics
What is the situational perspective criticised for?
David Mandel criticised it for offering an excuse for evil behaviour, suggesting it diminishes personal responsibility
