Hofling et al 1966

• What was the aim of the study conducted by Hopling et al (1966)?


  To see the extent to which nurses would obey doctors' commands, even if it harms the patient.
• Why were nurses specifically chosen for the study by Hopling et al (1966)?


  To test the obedience in a real environment.
• What method was used in the Hopling et al (1966) study?

  • The doctor called the hospital.
  • Nurses were instructed to check for a medicine.
  • The doctor was in a hurry and would sign the authorization later.
  • An observer monitored the situation.
  • The study was stopped if certain conditions were met.
• What was the name of the hospital involved in the Hopling et al (1966) experiment?


  Hopling Hospital.
• Who acted as the doctor in the Hopling et al (1966) study?

  A confederate.
• What was the result of the study regarding the nurses' compliance with the doctor's orders?

  21 out of 22 nurses complied, with only one questioning the doctor's identity.
• How did the control group compare to the experimental group in terms of compliance?


  In the control group, 8 out of 22 nurses would not comply.
• What conclusion was drawn from the Hopling et al (1966) study?


  • People are unwilling to question authority.
  • Social pressure from uniforms can put patients at risk.
  • Obedience can occur even with good reason to disobey.
• What was the significance of the study not taking place in a lab?


  It provided a more realistic, real-life situation for testing obedience.