Elms and Milgram (1966)

Question 1

what was the procedure ?

Answer 1

researched did a follow up study using participants who had previously participated in
Milgrams study study 2 months before .20 obedient participants (who went up to the full 450 volts ) and 20 defiant participant ( who refused to continue at one point)
They completed a MMPI scale and the F scale .They were asked questions about their upbringing ,attitude to experimenter and learner during their participation in Milgram study .

Question 2

what were the findings ?

Answer 2

MMPI variables - little difference between obedient and defiant participants.Those classed as obedient had higher levers of authoritarianism then those classed as defiant .Obedient participants in Milgrams study saw the authority figure as more admirable then the learner .this was not the case with defiant participants .Findings consistent with the idea of authoritarian personality

Question 3

what are the three evaluation point ?

Answer 3

there may be better explanation
Adorno used a bias sample
Adorno found many significant correlations but we can’t say one variable causes another

Question 4

explain they may be better explanations

Answer 4

prejudice and submissiveness could be easily caused by poor education as a child .The theory lacks internal validity as it assumes obedience is caused by dispositional explanations when it may be situational variables

Question 5

explain adorno using a biased sample?

Answer 5

only used 2000 middle class white Americans who are more likely to have an authoritarian personality due to demographics and time of study .Research lacks population validity and historical validity, so conclusions can not be generalised to people outside of the sample

Question 6

explain adorno finding significant correlation but cannot say one variable causes another

Answer 6

Adorno can’t claim a harsh parenting style causes a development of an authoritarian personality , we must consider other explanations like legitimacy of authority