Obedience - Milgram

Question 1

What was the baseline procedure of Milgrams study

Answer 1

• The learner and experimenter were always confederates, while the true participant was the ‘Teacher’
• The teacher was required to give the learner a shock each time the learner made a mistake
• 15-volt step ups to 450-volts
• If teacher wished to stop the experimenter gave a verbal ‘prod’ to continue

Question 2

Findings of the baseline procedure

Answer 2

• 65% continued to 450 volts
• 12.5% stopped at 300 volts
• Participants showed signs of extreme tension

Question 3

Conclusions of the baseline procedure

Answer 3

• We obey legitimate authority even if that behaviour causes harm
• Encouraged by situational factors

Question 4

EV 1 - Replications support Milgrams findings

Answer 4

• In a French tv show, contestants were paid to give (fake) electric shocks - ordered by presenter
• 80% gave max
• Behaviour showed signs of anxiety
• Supporting milligrams original finding abt obedience to authority

Question 5

EV 2 - Lack of internal validity

Answer 5

• psychologists argued participants guessed shocks fake and play acted
• Perry analysed Milgrams tapes, half of participants believed shocks were real
• demand characteristics

Question 6

EV 3 - Ethical Issues

Answer 6

• Deceived
• Deception serious consequences, no informed consent possible
• damage reputation of psychologists