Social Influnece: Lesson 6 - Situational Variables Affecting Obedience

Question 1

What are the findings of the proximity variations? (Milgram 1974)

Answer 1

• in the proximity variation, both the teacher and the learner were seated in the same room
• obedience levels fell to 40%, as the teacher was now able to experience Mr. Wallace’s anguish directly
• touch proximity = teacher forcing a metal plate on learners arm to administer shocks
• obedience rate was 30% in touch proximity
• absent experimenter variation = experimenter leaving room and giving orders via telephone
• obedience rate was 21% in absent experimenter variation

Question 2

What are the findings of the alternative setting variation? (Milgram 1974)

Answer 2

• experiment was carried out in a rundown office
• (all other variations were carried out at the impressive Yale University)
• obedience rate was 48%
• participants reported the location of the experiment gave them confidence in the integrity of the people involved, and suggested that they would not have shocked Mr Wallace of the experiment was carried out elsewhere

Question 3

What are the findings of the alternative setting variation, regarding uniform? (Milgram 1974)

Answer 3

• in the alternative setting variation the experimenter did not wear his uniform (laboratory coat)
• uniforms have a powerful impact on obedience
• uniforms are recognisable symbols of power and status
• some uniforms show high power and status(e.g. police officer uniform) however other show no power and status (e.g. prisoner uniform)

Question 4

What three situational factors were found to reduce obedience?

Answer 4

Proximity
Location
Uniform