Milgram Variations

What was the key change in the Telephone Variation (#7)?

The experimenter left the room and gave instructions only via telephone.

What was the obedience rate in the Telephone Variation (#7)?

It dropped sharply to 22.5%, compared to the baseline of 65%.

What key behavior did participants exhibit in the Telephone Variation (#7)?

Many participants lied to the experimenter over the phone, claiming they were increasing shock levels while actually administering lower shocks.

What does the Telephone Variation (#7) demonstrate about situational factors?

It shows the critical importance of the physical presence of an authority figure; absence makes disobedience easier.

What was the key change in the 'Ordinary Man' variation (#13)?

The legitimate experimenter left, and an ordinary man (a confederate with no special authority) suggested increasing the shocks.

What was the obedience rate in the 'Ordinary Man' variation (#13)?

Only 20% obeyed the ordinary man, while 80% refused to follow his orders.

How did some participants actively resist the 'Ordinary Man'?

Some protested, and 5 attempted to disconnect the power or physically restrain the confederate from giving shocks.

What does the 'Ordinary Man' variation (#13) prove about obedience?

It shows that people obey only those they perceive as legitimate authority figures.

What was the key change in the 'Rundown Office' variation (#18)?

The study was moved from Yale University to a shabby, commercial office building.

What was the obedience rate in the 'Rundown Office' variation (#18)?

Obedience fell to 47.5%, which was lower but not as dramatic a drop as in other variations.

What did Milgram conclude about the role of a prestigious setting?

A legitimate, prestigious setting influences obedience but its removal does not eliminate it entirely.

What is a key strength of the variations regarding reliability?

They used standardized procedures, allowing them to be reliably compared to the baseline study.

What is a common weakness regarding the validity of these studies?

They lack ecological validity; the task does not reflect everyday obedience.

What is a specific ethical weakness of the 'Ordinary Man' variation?

It involved significant deception, violating ethical guidelines.