Factors influencing obedience (booklet 3)

Question 1

Name 3 situational factors Milgram identified that affect levels of obedience

Answer 1

Proximity
Uniform
Location

Question 1

How does location affect obedience to authority in Milgram’s study?

Answer 1

Percentage of people administering all shocks to 450V dropped from 65% in Yale University to 47.5% in a run down office

Question 2

Why does location affect obedience to authority?

Answer 2

We are socialised from a young age to obey figures of authority
Yale university has high status and prestige
Viewed as having a legitimate authority compared to a run down office

Question 3

How does proximity affect levels of obedience in Milgram’s study?

Answer 3

Baseline= 65% administered full 450v
Teacher and learner in same room= 40%
Teacher and learner holding hands (touch proximity) = 30%
Experimenter giving orders by phone= 21%

Question 4

Why does proximity affect obedience to authority in Milgram’s study?

Answer 4

Harder to carry out harmful instructions when closer to visible consequences
We are more aware of direct action to less willing to perform actions that will harm others

Question 5

How did uniform affect obedience in Milgram’s study?

Answer 5

Baseline study- experimenter wore grey lab coat = 65%
When replaced with ordinary clothes = 20%

Question 6

Describe a study which demonstrates the power of uniform on obedience

Answer 6

Bickman (1974)
3 male actors- milkman, security guard, ordinary clothes
Asked members of public one of three instructions- pick up a bag, give money for parking metre, stand next to sign saying no standing
People obeyed guard 76%, milkman 47%, pedestrian 30%

Question 7

Why does uniform affect levels of obedience?

Answer 7

Wearing uniform symbolises legitimate status and authority
Indicates they may have power to issue sanctions eg punishments or penalties