Burger

Question 1

A

Answer 1

To test if Milgram’s findings were era-bound and if personality traits (empathy & personal control) influence obedience.

Question 2

Participants

Answer 2

70 participants (29 men 41 women)

Question 3

P

Answer 3

Participants were always the “teacher”confederate was the “learner”.
Word-pair task; shocks for wrong answers. Pre-recorded reactions at 75V and 150V.
Study stopped at 150V. Participants reminded of right to withdraw. Fully debriefed.

Question 4

What did Burger find in his 2009 study?

Answer 4

70% were obedient up to 150V. No gender difference. Slightly higher personal control in disobedient participants.

Question 5

What did Burger conclude from his study?

Answer 5

Obedience is not era- or gender-bound. Lack of empathy doesn’t explain obedience.

Question 6

What are strengths of Burger’s study?

Answer 6

More ethical (e.g.150V limit

Question 7

What are weaknesses of Burger’s study?

Answer 7

Low ecological validity. 38% excluded → less generalisable. Cut-off at 150V missed emotional conflict.

Question 8

What are some counterarguments or evaluation points for Burger’s study?

Answer 8

Valid due to Milgram-aware screening (reduced demand characteristics). Real-world use (e.g.nurses trained to question authority). BPS guidelines followed