Milgram's situational variables

Milgram replicated his study several times while changing situational factors (proximity, location and uniform).

He wanted to see if these changes would cause greater or less obedience.

Milgram’s situational variables

What did Milgram replicate in his study while doing, and what was the aim of this?

this allows people to psychologically distance themselves from the consequences of their actions

what is Milgram’s proximity variable?

The location of an experiment gives the experiment legitimacy and authority, and makes participants think that obedience is expected.

what is Milgram’s location variable?

encourage obedience because they are widely recognised as symbols of authority.

what is Milgram’s uniform variable?

• 40%

• proximity

Name the % of obedience in each of these conditions and state which situational variable it is

Teacher and learner in the same room

• 20.5%

• proximity

Name the % of obedience in each of these conditions and state which situational variable it is

Experimenter left the room and issued instructions by telephone

• 30%

• proximity

Name the % of obedience in each of these conditions and state which situational variable it is

Teacher forces learners hand onto plate

• 47.5%

• location

Name the % of obedience in each of these conditions and state which situational variable it is

Study took place in a run down building instead of a prestigious university.

• 20%

• uniform

Name the % of obedience in each of these conditions and state which situational variable it is

Experimenter was played by an ordinary member of the public