obedience: situational variables Flashcards
(29 cards)
What are situational variables in the context of Milgram’s research?
Aspects of the situation that might lead to more or less obedience.
What happened to obedience in the ‘Proximity’ variation?
(teacher and learner in the same room)
Obedience dropped from 65% to 40%.
What happened in the ‘Touch proximity’ variation?
The teacher had to force the learner’s hand onto a shock plate. Obedience dropped to 30%.
What happened in the ‘Remote instruction’ variation?
The Experimenter gave orders by phone. Obedience dropped to 20.5%.
Why did obedience drop with decreased proximity?
Because people could psychologically distance themselves from the consequences of their actions.
What was the obedience level in the ‘Location’ variation?
Obedience fell to 47.5%.
What location was used in the variation that affected obedience?
A run-down office block instead of Yale University.
Why did obedience drop in the different location?
Participants saw the Experimenter as less legitimate.
What was the obedience level in the ‘Uniform’ variation?
Obedience dropped to 20%.
What change was made in the ‘Uniform’ variation?
The Experimenter was replaced by a member of the public in everyday clothes.
Why does uniform affect obedience?
Because uniforms are symbols of authority and legitimacy.
How does proximity of the victim influence obedience?
Closer proximity leads to lower obedience due to increased responsibility.
What does Milgram’s research support?
The situational explanation of obedience.
How did the field experiment by Bickman (1974) support Milgram?
People obeyed more when ordered to pick up litter by someone in a security guard uniform (rather than someone dressed as a businessman or milkman).
What did the Dutch replication by Meeus & Raaijmakers (1986) show?
Participants obeyed instructions to harass someone in a job interview.
What is a counterpoint to cross-cultural replications?
Not all cultures (e.g. collectivist) are represented, so findings may not generalize.
What is a limitation of Milgram’s variations?
Procedures may have been seen as fake due to extra manipulation.
Why is the ‘member of the public’ variation criticized?
Participants may have guessed the procedure was fake, leading to lower internal validity.
What is the danger of the situational perspective?
It may offer an excuse for destructive behavior (e.g., Nazi war crimes).
What does Mandel argue about situational explanations?
They offer an ‘alibi’ for evil acts.
How does this research apply to real life?
It shows how environment and authority influence obedience.
What is demand characteristics?
When participants behave how they think they should due to cues.
What is the significance of legitimacy of authority in Milgram’s study?
It affects how much participants obey.
How might students react to authority in a supermarket setting?
They might obey a teacher they recognize in uniform.
