1.3.2 Burger (2009) Replicating Milgram: Would people still obey today?

Question 1

What was the aim of Burgers study

Answer 1

To find out if the same results as Milgram’s 1963 study re-occur when the study is replicated with modern participants in 2009.

Question 2

What was the sample

Answer 2

70 participants (a mixture of men and women) did the experiment, being randomly put into the two conditions. They were a volunteer sample, recruited through newspaper and online ads and fliers left in libraries. They were paid $50 before the study started. They were aged 20-81.

Question 3

What was Burger’s results

Answer 3

Burger found that 70% of participants in the baseline condition were prepared to go past 150V, compared to 82.5% in Milgram’s Variation #5.Burger also compared men and women but didn’t find a difference in obedience.

Question 4

What was Burgers conclusion

Answer 4

Burger concludes that Milgram’s results still stand half a century later. People are still influenced by situational factors to obey an authority figure, even if it goes against their moral values.

Question 5

What were the different conditions

Answer 5

Baseline -

Question 6

How did Burger make it ethical

Answer 6

There was a two-step screening process to filter out anyone who might be unduly stressed by the experience

The participants were warned 3 times in writing that they could withdraw at any point and still keep the $50

The experimenter was actually a clinical psychologist, skilled in spotting and reacting appropriately to distress

The “test shock” experienced by the participants was only a mild 15V, not Milgram’s painful 45V

Burger did not allow time to pass before he introduced the (healthy) learner and debriefed the participants

Question 7

What were Burgers results

Answer 7

Burger found that 70% of participants in the baseline condition were prepared to go past 150V, the point of no return. No difference between men and women obedience