milgram,variations, agency theory Flashcards

blurt the info

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
1
Q

what is the classic and contemporary study?

A

sheriff and burger

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is social psychology?

A

Investigates aspects of human behaviour that involves the individuals relationship to other people, groups and society including cultural influence

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Key assumptions of social psych

A

Other people ,social situation, being in groups, and the roles we play in society affect our behaviour, though processes and emotions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

How does the social approach explain our behaviour?

A

Adapt our behaviour to demands of social situation and in ambiguous situations we take our cues from behaviour of others in that setting.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Describe the social psychology approach (4)

A

Study of how peoples behaviour is influenced by other people,groups and society.This means it discounts individual differences. Eg looks at how a social situation affects our behaviour we may behave differently with friends than family. Also looks at groups we belong to eg religion and how it affects our behaviour.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Define obedience

A

A form of social influence obeying orders from someone in authority

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Define compliance

A

Going along with what someone says while not necessarily agreeing with it

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Define dissenting

A

Orders are given but the person doesn’t do what they’re told

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Define internalising

A

You obey with agreement

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Define conformity

A

You adopt the behaviours of those around you

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the key issue:research on obedience?

A

Psychological knowledge could be used as an agent of social control eg to increase obedience

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Define autonomy

A

Acting one ones own freewill

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Background into Milgram

A

Wanted to know how did the Holocaust happen- assumed German soldiers had a personality flaw which made them more obedient to authority (Nature V Nurture are Germans predetermined to be more obedient?)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Why is a pilot study important?

A

Test your procedure. Milgram asked students and lecturers how many people would administer a shock estimated 4% go to 450v. Important as it showed most people believed hardly anyone would follow orders that might kill an innocent person but actual experiment showed that.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is the aim of Milgrams experiment?

A

To investigate the levels of obedience shown by subjects when they were told by an authority figure to administer electric shocks to another person even if it meant harming them.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Participants in Milgram’s study?

A

40 males ages 20-50 American responded to direct mailing and adverts to take part in a memory and learning study

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Evaluate the sampling technique used?

A

Volunteer- Allows access to a wide range of people as adverts were used eg socioeconomic status/Volunteers might be particularly obedient and not representative of the experiment

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Procedure of Milgram’s study

A

Participant came to Yale lab along with confederate and drew rigged lots to be teacher or learner. Confederate- Learner, Participant - Teacher. Experiment in a lab coat looking authortarian told to shock every wrong answer) Electric shock given to 45v Ppt/Teacher to show shocks were real then attached to Confederate/Learner. Learner had to learn word pairs and deliberately got them wrong so had to be shocked (inc by 15v) had to go all the way to 450v

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

The Prods Used in Milgram’s Experiment

A

please go on / the experiment requires that you continue / it is absolutely essential that you continue / you have no other choice you must go on

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Key results (quantitative)

A

All went to 300v, 65% to 450v, only 14 stopped before 450v

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Key results (qualitative)

A

Showed visible signs of distress, sweating, trembling, laughter and protesting. However, some remained calm throughout.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Conclusions

A

1) level of obedience was not expected- social influence is strong 2) tension and emotional strain by subject- people will obey orders even when it causes them personal distress

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Outline one methodological weakness of Milgram’s study (4)

A

Lack mundane realism. This is because the tasks required to do wasn’t something that they would do in everyday life. People are not usually asked to electrocute a stranger if they can’t remember a word pair. Therefore, the study lacks ecological validity as it cannot be applied to everyday life. However, Milgram defended this by arguing the process of obedience was the same regardless of location or task. For example. Hofling et al showed 21.22 nurses were obedient to a Dr when administering a lethal dosage.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What does this study tells us about behaviour? (4)

A

In certain circumstances, people can obey an authority figure to an unexpected extent. The pilot study showed most Americans wouldn’t go over 150v which shows the results of the study were unexpected. This can be seen when 65& of the participants in Milgrams study obey the experiment and adminstered the learner the maximum amount of volts 450.However, this study was done in a prestigious university, in an artificial situation so the experiment lacks ecological validity. It cannot be certain that these results can be applied to everyday life.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Generalisability of Milgram’s study

A

Not representative of pop all ppts from America (ethocentric) all ppts were male (androcentric) sample technique was self-selected so ppts may be different to others so more likely to think scientific research is more biddable.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

PEEC eg of generalisability

A

Lacks generalisability as his sample was both androcentric and ethnocentric. Milgram used 40 ppts from N.E USA. This means his results cannot be generalised to woman or other cultures. However Milgram wanted to look at obedience levels of Americans so in that sense it can generalised in that part of the target population. This is because his sample was all from America.

27
Q

Reliability of Milgrams study

A

Setting is controlled- ppt and confederate always sat in same locations. Same person played role as learner and experiment gave same instructions and prods. Learner always gave the same as it was a tape recording

28
Q

PEEC eg of reliability

A

A strength of Milgram’s study is that it is considered reliable and so it can be replicated and produce consistent results. Milgram used standardised procedures, ensuring that the true participants experience of the experiment were as near identical as possible to each other. For example the experimenter issued the same 4 prods to the participants like ‘it is essential that you can continue with the experiment’. This means that the study can be repeated almost identically,but allows for the changing of certain variables to see if that variable has an effect on obedience. This can be seen in his variation studies. For example variation 7.

29
Q

What are the applications of Milgram’s research

A

Shows us the potential infleunce the social situation can have on obedience. Undestand previous events eg behaviour of Nazi guards in WW2. Use obedience for ood eg police and army

30
Q

Validity of Milgram’s study

A

Artificial setting & task so low in mundane realism and decrease ecological validity. High in experimental realism- people felt tension showing reacting as though situation was real. Milgram argued lab is similar to any other situation where an authority figure eg Dr

31
Q

PEEC on validity

A

A weakness of this study is that it lacks ecological validity. This means that the findings do not necessarily apply to everyday life. The experimental setting was artifical enviroment where the ppts were asked to electrocute strangers if they got a wrong answer to memory questions. This is not something that people would be normally asked to do. This means that the study lacked mundane realism. However, Milgram argues that often people are in circumstances where they let a dentist drill your teeth which is why it may be considered normal.

32
Q

Strength Milgram’s sampling technique

A

Allows an access to a wide range of people. Milgram’s study had a sample of 40 men of a variety of ages,occupations,and educational levels.

33
Q

Strengths of quantitative and qualitive data in the same study

A

Quatitive data is measureable allows us to compare the obedience of participants eg 65& of people went up to maximum voltage.Qualitative data allows us to understand their experiences (sweating) indicating their obedience.

34
Q

Issue and debate linked to Milgram’s variation studies?

A

Psychology as a science- had very standardised procedures meant replication was possible in different circumstances by keeping everything the same and manipulating one variable allowing cause & effect efferences which increases scientific credibility.

35
Q

What was variation 7 and the results?

A

Telephonic instructions( physical proximity)- experimenter in the room initially then experimenter leaves room and gives instructions via telephone .Ppts giving 450v –> 22.5%. Observed some ppts administered lower voltage shocks lying to the experimenter and once experimenter returned Ppt obedient again.

36
Q

2 differences from variation 7 and OG study?

A

OG- experimenter was physically present & experimenter gave instructions face to face,7- experimenter started in the room and then left & prods were given over telephone

37
Q

Strengths of variation 7

A

Only 1 variation in procedure for each study all other variables remain the same so you can compare effects of manipulating the IV so we can see cause and effect between instructions face to face and over the telephone. Milgram’s results in this variation are well supported as when he varied proximity of the experimenter in other variations obedience levels changed.

38
Q

Weaknesses of variation 7

A

Participants may not of believed that the shocks were real as they would expect a scientist from a reputable uni to protect ppts. This means validity is lowered. Not a natural situation ppts were placed into the role of helper to the experimenter rather than acting independently.

39
Q

What was variation 10? and the results?

A

Changed the setting to a run down office in an industrial town called Bridgeport. Told ppts it was being run by ‘Research associates of Bridgeport’ and room used was a lab that was sparsely furnished. 47.5% went to 450v suggests less reputable reduces legitimacy of the study.

40
Q

Strengths of variable 10

A

Only 1 variation in procedure all other variables remain the same- establish cause and effects of manipulating the IV so we can see cause and effect between IV of setting and DV of obedience. Use of office block instead of uni increases mundane realism of the study so it increases ecological validity as it took place in the real world as it semmed more real than a prestigious uni

41
Q

Weaknesses of variation 10

A

The set up was still scientific for example being conducted in a lab rather than everyday so we don’t know if people will be similarly obedient in a non-scientific situation. Despite the more natural setting, the study is still low in mundane realism due to the use of the shock generator and the control prods.

42
Q

Differences in variation 10 to OG study?

A

OG- carried out in a psych lab in Yale, ppts believed it was carried out by professor, Yale is set in an affluent part of town, 10- relocated to Bridgeport,ppts told the research associates of birdgeport, experiments were conducted in a 3 room office suite in a rund down commercial building which was sparsley furnished

43
Q

What was experiment 13? and the results?

A

Ordinary man gives the orders-3 people in lab 1 ppt and 2 confederates. 1st confederate learner and 2nd role of recording times from experimenter desk. Experimenter got a rigged call and left and told teacher to continue with the task no mention of what level of shock to give. 2nd confederate gave idea to increase voltage. Found only 20% continued to max so authority level or status of experimenter does affect obedience.

44
Q

Weaknesses of variation 13?

A

Withdrawal of the experimenter seemed staged and artificial. Undermines credibility of the experiment. Participants may not of believed the shocks were real as they expect scientists from a reputable uni to protect ppts. This means validity of research may be low. Ppts may still have felt overall authority lay with prestigious uni.

45
Q

Strengths of variation 13?

A

1 variation in procedure all other variables remain the same which makes it possible to compare the effects of manipulating the IV so we can show cause and effect between the status of experimenter and obedience. Ppts saw confederate learner draw lots just as they had done reinforces the idea he is just an ordinary man therefore increasing the validity.

46
Q

Differences of variation 13 and OG study?

A

OG study- only 1 confederate who posed as a learner. Experimenter in a lab coat gave instructions to the teacher to administer the shock. 13- 2 condederates 1 learner and other as a teacher. Confederate teacher dressed as an ordinary man gave instructions to shock the learner

47
Q

Evaluate 1 of Milgram’s variation studies INTRO

A

Milgram’s OG study was standardised which allowed it to be replicated and change one variable to see the effect this variable had on obedience. In variation 7, Milgram tested to see how physical proximity affected obedience levels by administering instruction to shock the learner by telephone.

48
Q

Evaluate 1 of Milgram’s variation studies STRENGTH

A

Exactly the same standardised procedures as OG study when testing obedience to authority expect one variable which allows cause and effect conclusions to be drawn. By manipulating the variable of whether the experimenter was close or not delivering instructions to the participant by telephone, Milgram was able to determine the effect of proximity of the experimenter had on obedience levels. Milgram found no of ppts giving max volts dropped from 65% to 22.5% when instructions were delivered by telephone as opposed to being in the same room. Therefore, by keeping the procedures standardised, Milgram was able to make direct comparisons to the OG study and infer cause and effect which increases scientific credibility. However, it could still be argued that mundane realism was low as OG someone giving shocks is not a task people would be normally expected to do.

49
Q

Evaluate 1 of Milgram’s variation studies WEAKNESS

A

Still has ethical implications for ppt. Ppt in exp 7 still req to administer what they believed to be electric shocks to strangers. As in 7 still req to increase ES by 15v every time learner answered incorrectly. The ppt still showed signs of agitation, distress and moral strain. Therefore it could be argued Milgram failed to protect ppts.

50
Q

What are the 2 states humans exist in agency theory?

A

Autonomous state- people believe they have the power and freely choose behaviour and guided by own moral code Agentic state- people believe that others have power, allow someone else to direct their behaviour, acting as an agent for someone else and may act against their own moral code

51
Q

How can agency theory be explained through evolution?

A

A strategy for survival. Following leaders obediently can increases chances of survival in threatening situations. So following orders to stay and fight as a group in the agentic state increases chances of group survival

52
Q

How can agency theory be explained through socialisation?

A

It can be learned from childhood from parents or in schools where children are taught to put aside their own wishes so that order can be maintained. The legal system reinforces this.

53
Q

What is moral strain?

A

When they feel that obedient behaviour is wrong and goes against their own moral values. Milgram argued people felt moral strain by although they obey the experimenter they knew they were wrong to do so.

54
Q

2 ways moral strain can be reduced?

A

Displacing their responsibility onto an authority figure shifting into an agentic state. By dissenting, choosing not to obey.

55
Q

Issue and debate NVN of obedience

A

Milgram attempted to argue obedience wasn’t a dispositional trait as it could be a consequence of the situation we find ourselves in. Behaviour manifests as we are exposed to authority figures under certain environmental conditions conducive to compliance such as closeness and status of authority figure.

56
Q

Evidence for agency theory

A

Milgram’s study provides evidence as ppts showed evidence of distress when given order to harm a person. Supported by Hofling et al nurses would follow doctors orders within a hospital when asked to give a patient a drug

57
Q

Evidence against agency theory

A

Lacks direct evidence as agency is an internal mental process so cannot be directly observed. Tells us people tend to obey an authority figure but doesn’t tell us why they do.

58
Q

Strengths in methodology for agency theory

A

Milgrams studies used standardised procedures which means they can be replicated and allows variable manipulation which allows us to infer cause and effect which increases scientific credibility. Explains different levels of obedience found in variations to the OG study as ppts made to take more responsibility obedience decreased.

59
Q

Weaknesses in methodology for agency theory

A

Tasks Milgram used lacked mundane realism. Tasks ppts asked to do ‘shocking’ someone wouldn’t be what would be expected. This means it lacks ecological validity and doesn’t generalise to everyday life.

60
Q

Applications of agency theory

A

Explains real life events such as obedience to authority shown by US soldiers during the Vietnam war. Studies from different cultures eg Meeus and Raajmaker found Dutch ppts harass job applicant because they were told to do so. Can be ap0plied to real life eg Hofling et al showed how nurses obeyed

61
Q

Issue and debate with agency theory

A

Doesn’t count for individual differences why some people obey and some people don’t and ignores factors such as personality type

62
Q

Alternative theory to agency theory

A

French and Raven- 5 bases of power, legitimate power, reward power, referent power, expert power, and coercive

63
Q

Ethical implications of agency theory?

A

Remove personal responsibility from those who commit follow immoral orders, thus offering excuses to people to follow authority even when it is wrong to do so.

64
Q

Daisy has just started a job at a new office where she is a junior position and her manager asked her to make tea and coffee. When manager isn’t there she is reluctant to make any explain why feels this way

A

Daisy is being obedient to authority when the manager is there according to agency theory they have legitimate status and authority. The agency theory argues Daisy would’ve been socialised from a young age to obey authority figures. Milgram’s argues is a evolutionary mechanism to maintain social order. When the manager is present Daisy is acting in an agentic state as described by agency theory. This means she’s not acting of free will and allowing someone else to direct her behaviour to make the tea even if she doesn’t want to. When the manager was away Daisy felt reluctant because she was acting in an autonomous state and freely choosing her own behaviour