Milgram experiments

• Milgrim 1963 aim


  To understand behaviour of the Germans who followed orders to kill over 10 mil people in holocaust

  Was a belief that Germans were dif (more obedien)
• Milgrim 1963 procedure


  40 volunteers (men 20-50 America)

  From unskilled workers to professionals 4.50$ an hour

  Experimenter wore lab coat and had script

  Mr Wallace confederate w script and ‘heart problem’

  rigged draw for teacher and student

  45V shock given to P as sample

  P had shock machine from 15-450V with labels of danger

  Experimenter had prods if person refused (eg please go on)

  P was allowed to leave after 4th prod
• Milgrim 1963 findings


  65% people went up to 450V

  100% got to 300V

  12.5% dropped after ^ (Wallace stopped answering and speaking)

  35% had nervous laughter

  3 had seizures
• Milgrim 1963 conclusions

  Americans surprisingly obedient to authority.

  perieced competence, reputation of researcher, idea that research helped advance science also contributed to obedience
• Milgram variation 7: phone


  Aim: dif factors that affect obedience - proximity

  Procedure: experimenter instructs then leaves and continues on phone

  Results: obedience fell to 22.5% + cheating (missing or giving less shock)

  Conclusion: obedience decreases when authority figure not present - maybe P feels more responsible
• Milgram variation 10: building


  Aim: is setting a factor?

  Procedure: run down office building in town called Bridgeport (for private research company). Lots of question about integrity of experiment from Ps

  Results: 48% and Ps questioned credentials of company on arrival

  Conclusion: Setting is a factor - decisions not just on personality but also situational
• Milgram variation 13: ordinary man


  Aim: does status affect? Procedure: 1 P 2 Cs. Experimenter called to leave then 2nd actor SUGGESTS method to administer shocks Results: 20% carry on Conclusion: no clear authoritative figure means P feels less pressure.