situational variables affecting obedience

Question 1

why did milgram make modifications to his original study?

Answer 1

to see if obedience rates increased or decreased

Question 2

what was the original obedience level?

Answer 2

65%

Question 3

what was the affect on obedience when teacher and learner were In the same room? (proximity to learner)

Answer 3

obedience dropped to 40%

Question 4

what was the affect on obedience when teacher forced learner’s hand onto a shock plate? (proximity to learner)

Answer 4

obedience dropped to 30%

Question 5

why did proximity to learner affect obedience? (3)

Answer 5

● if proximity is increased

● participants become more aware of the consequences of their actions (harm to learner)

● so, they obey less

Question 6

what was the affect on obedience when experimenter left the room and gave instructions by telophone? (proximity to experimenter)

Answer 6

obedience dropped to 20.5%

Question 7

why did proximity to experimenter effect obedience? (2)

Answer 7

● experimenters couldn’t see teachers actions

● participants often pretended to give shocks

Question 8

what was the affect on obedience when study was conducted in a run-down building? (location)

Answer 8

obedience dropped to 47.5%

Question 9

why did location affect obedience? (2)

Answer 9

● obedience was higher in the university

● as setting was legitimate and had authority (obedience was expected)

Question 10

what was the affect on obedience when experimenter was called away and role was taken over by an ordinary member of the public in everyday clothes? (uniform)

Answer 10

obedience dropped to 20% (the lowest of the variations)

Question 11

why did uniform affect obedience? (2)

Answer 11

● uniform is a strong symbol of legitimate authority granted by society

● someone without a uniform has less right to expect obedience