A form of social influence in which an individual follows a direct order. The person issuing the order is usually a figure of authority, who has the power to punish when obedient behaviour is not forthcoming
1 of 9
Procedure
40 male participants through newspaper adverts for a memory study - 20-50 years old, $4.50, rigged draw for role - 'Mr.Wallace' always learner, experimenter+learner=confederates, increasing electric shock for wrong answer
2 of 9
Procedure continued
15 to 450 volts, 30 levels. At 300 volts, learner pounded+no response to next question. 315 volts - pounded+no further response, when participant hesitated used 1 of 4 prods
3 of 9
Findings
0 stopped below 300v , 12.5% stopped at 300v, 65% continued to 450v, qualitative data - signs of tension e.g. nail biting 3 had seizures. 14 psy students predicted no more than 3% would reach 450v. 84% glad to participate
4 of 9
Evaluation - low internal validity
Orne+Holland (1968) - participants didn't believe shocks were real = low internal validity. Sheridan+King - similar study (puppy) 54% males+100% females what they thought = fatal shock. Milgram - 70% participants thought shocks real
5 of 9
Evaluation - good external validity
Lab environment accurately reflects real authority relationships. Hofling et al. - nurses on hospital ward 21/22 obeyed unjustified demands. Milgram's results can be generalised
6 of 9
Evaluation - supporting replication
Le Jeu de la Mort (Game of death) - French TV documentary, replication of Milgram's study. Paid to give fake electric shocks to other participants (actors) 80%=maximum shock (460v) to 'unconscious' man. Signs of anxiety like Milgram's participants
7 of 9
Evaluation - ethical issues
Deceived participants - allocation of roles not random, shocks not real
8 of 9
Evaluation - social identity theory
Participants identified with experimenter - first 3 prods ask for help with experiment, 4th demands obedience. When 4th prod used, participant quit
9 of 9
Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
40 male participants through newspaper adverts for a memory study - 20-50 years old, $4.50, rigged draw for role - 'Mr.Wallace' always learner, experimenter+learner=confederates, increasing electric shock for wrong answer
Back
Procedure
Card 3
Front
15 to 450 volts, 30 levels. At 300 volts, learner pounded+no response to next question. 315 volts - pounded+no further response, when participant hesitated used 1 of 4 prods
Back
Card 4
Front
0 stopped below 300v , 12.5% stopped at 300v, 65% continued to 450v, qualitative data - signs of tension e.g. nail biting 3 had seizures. 14 psy students predicted no more than 3% would reach 450v. 84% glad to participate
Back
Card 5
Front
Orne+Holland (1968) - participants didn't believe shocks were real = low internal validity. Sheridan+King - similar study (puppy) 54% males+100% females what they thought = fatal shock. Milgram - 70% participants thought shocks real
Comments
No comments have yet been made