Hofling et al (1966)

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

To find out if nurses would administer an overdose from an anonymous Dr. over the phone

Question 2

Procedure

Answer 2

Nurses phoned by Dr. Smith responsible for patient
Nurse asked to check medicine to cabinet to see if particular drug was there
Asked to administer dose (double of maximum allowance)
Label stated dangerous

Question 3

Results

Answer 3

21/22 (95%) measured out the medication, ready to administer

A hidden observer stopped them

Question 4

Predictions

Answer 4

No investigators guessed the results
21/22 nurses in questionnaire said they wouldn’t obey
10/22 nurses had done this before

Question 5

Discussion

Answer 5

When interview, nurses said Drs were in habit of giving orders by phone
Drs got annoyed when they weren’t obeyed

Unequal power relations between nurses and Drs, meant life would be difficult for nurses if they didn’t obey

Question 6

Conclusion

Answer 6

Showed how social pressure brought about my imbalance of power could lead to putting patient at risk, rather than disobeying orders

Question 7

Evaluation

Answer 7

Strength: high ecological validity- usual everyday behaviour for nurses