Milgram Variation Studies Flashcards
(21 cards)
Name the three variation studies
Ordinary Mann, office block, telephonic instruction
What was the aim of ordinary Mann
Wanted to see if it was the person who was more influential or the way commands were worded
What was the sample in the ordinary Mann
20 ppts, 2 teachers
How does the procedure for ordinary man differ tot the baseline
Same however the experimenter does not indicate which shock level should be used. Rigged phone call takes place and the experimenter looks flustered and acts Edgar for the experiment to be finished. Before he leaves he informs the teacher to continue until the learner has learnt the words perfectly. The ‘ordinary man’ suggests they increase the shock voltage.
Results for the ordinary man
Drop in obedience 16/20 did not continue. 20%
In part 2 where the bistander effect was tested 5 ppts used physical violence to stop the experiment, 1 attempted to disconnect the generator and 1 man lifted the confederate front eh chair and threw him in the corner of the lab. 68.75% (9/16) did not interfere with the ordinary mans actions.
What was observed in the ordinary man
The bistander effect
What happened to the 16 who refused to continue in the ordinary man
The confederate would appear disgusted by the refusal and take over himself. Ppts witness the ordinary man increase the shocks each time all the ppts protested.
What can be concluded with the ordinary man
Uniform and authority does affect obedience due to 20% drop in obedience compared to the original study therefore to get respect and obedience in society you need to be a person of authority. The bystander effect is also very dangerous as 68% did not step in and help the ‘learner’ they entered the agentic state and did not take any responsibility so although they did not take part they were compliant in allowing someone else to take the blame.
What was the aim of the office block variation
To see if obedience would decrease if conducted in a les prestigious setting.
What was the sample in the office block
The same as the original 40 men aged between 20-50
How did the procedure of office block differ to the baseline
The procedure was kept the same but it was conducted in an office building in a nearby industrial city, Bridgeport. The experimental conditions were replicated with no ties to the university. The lab was described as ‘sparsely furnished although clean and respectable in appearance’ .
What were the results for the office block
The obedience rates were slightly lower 48% compared to the original 65% obedience. 2 ppts even refused to do the lowest shock voltage of 15v.
What was the conclusion of the office block
Milgram noticed the ppts seemed more relaxed than when they were at Yale. Status is an important in obedience but not as important as an authority figure.
What was the aim of telephonic instruction
Aimed to see whether the physical distance between the experimenter and teacher would effect obedience levels
What was the sample in telephonic instruction
40 men
How did the procedure of the telephonic instruction differ to the baseline
The experimenter gave the ppts their instructions at the start then leaves the teacher alone in the room with the shock generator and telephone. If the teacher had questions or doubts they had to phone the experimenter they were given ‘prods’ over the phone
Result of telephonic instruction
There was a significant drop in obedience down to 20.5%
What was also observed in the telephonic experiment
Several of the ppts administered lower shocks than were required and never informed the experimenter of their deviation. They would tell the experimenter of the phone that they were complying but in reality only giving the lowest shock on the board.
Conclusion for the telephonic instruction
Physical presence of an authority figure is very important for obedience. Also it was found ppts found it easier to carry on with the experiment and lie to the experimenter than to openly disobey authority and refuse.
What are similarities between all of the studies
All ppts are men, verbal prods, teacher/learner, all gave 15v shocks, deception of aim, obedience rates fall, verbal feedback from learner’, separate rooms.
