Milgram

Aim: To investigate what level of obedience would be shown when participants were told by an authority figure to administer electric shocks to another person.

Participants:

• 40 Males from New Haven
• Recruite through direct mailing and averts
• Range of occupations
• paid $4.50 for participating

Method:

• Lab experiment
• Rigged draw so participant was always teacher
• Confederate play role of learner
• learner strapped to chair with electrodes and told there will be no permanent tissue damage

Method:

• teacher given a real sample shock
• Teacher sat  infront of shock generator (15-450 volts) and tested learner on word pairs
• incorrect answers given on ration 3:1
• shocks to be given for an incorrect answer starting at 15 volts and increasing in 15 volt increments to 450 volts (shocks were not real)
• at 300 volt learner pounded on wall
• Standard prods given by expierment
• full debfrief and meeting with the learner

Results:

• all subjects obeyed up to 300 volts
• 65% obedient went up to 450 volts. 35% disobedient

Conclusion: prestigous uni, payment, shocks were not harmful SITUATIONAL