Describing the study - AO1

What was the aim of Milgram’s study?

To investigate the extent to which individuals would obey an authority figure, even to the point of causing harm to another person.

How were participants recruited for Milgram’s study?

Through an advert in a newspaper asking for male participants to take part in a study of memory and learning.

What were the criteria for participants in Milgram’s study?

Any occupation apart from students; payment of $4.50 for participation; a total of 40 participants; age range of 20-50 years; from New Haven, America.

Why is sampling necessary in research?

It allows researchers to select a sample that represents the wider target population to generalize findings.

What is a volunteer sample?

A sampling method where participants select themselves to be part of the study.

Where did Milgram’s study take place?

At the University of Yale.

What were participants told about their ability to withdraw?

They were told they could drop out at any time.

Who was 'Mr. Wallace' in the experiment?

A confederate (an actor), who participants believed was another real participant.

Who was 'Mr. Williams' in the experiment?

Another confederate, acting as the experimenter, who briefed participants on learning through punishment.

How were roles assigned in the study?

Roles of 'teacher' and 'learner' were allocated through a rigged lottery, ensuring the real participant always got the teacher role.

What happened to the learner at the start of the experiment?

The learner (confederate) was seated and strapped down in the electric shock chair.

What happened to the teacher before starting the experiment?

They received a real 45V shock to convince them the experiment was legitimate.

What was in the teacher’s room?

A shock generator with 30 switches increasing in 15V increments from 15V to 450V, labeled with terms like 'slight shock' and 'XXX'.

What was the task of the teacher in the experiment?

The teacher read a list of word pairs, and the learner had to select the correct answer from four options.

What were the four verbal pros used in order?

1- Please continue

2- The experiment requires that you continue

3- It is absolutely essential that you continue

4- You have no other choice, you must go on

Why are verbal produced in the same order?

So that the experiments can be replicated

What results did they Predict?

That only an insignificant minority would go to the end

What were the quantitative findings?

100% obedience up to 300 V

65% went to the full 450 V

What were the qualitative findings?

Subjects sweated, trembled and some were prone to nervous laughter

What was the conclusion of the findings?

Findings showed that ordinary Americans are surprisingly obedient to legitimate authority

What are the factors affecting obedience?

Buffers – the wall (teacher couldn’t see learner)

Perception of legitimate authority – experiment had status (lab coat and clipboard)

Lack of personal responsibility – experiment or took responsibility

Verbal prods – experiment urged to continue

Legitimacy of setting – took place at Yale