Milgram's Situational Variables Affecting Obedience

• What does proximity refer to in the context of Milgram's study?

  Proximity refers to how close to or far away someone or something is.
• How does proximity affect destructive obedience according to Milgram?

  Destructive obedience is more easily achieved if the person being harmed is out of sight.
• What was Milgram's hypothesis regarding obedience and proximity?

  Milgram hypothesized that obedience decreases as proximity increases.
• What was the effect on obedience when the Teacher and Learner were in the same room?

  Obedience dropped from 65% to 40% when they were in the same room.
• What happened when the Teacher had to force the Learner's hand onto the shock plate?

  Obedience dropped to 30% in this variation.
• What was the outcome when the experimenter issued instructions by phone?

  Obedience dropped to 20.5% when instructions were given by phone.
• What conclusion did Milgram draw about proximity and destructive obedience?

  Milgram concluded that proximity is a key variable in destructive obedience.
• What does uniform signify in the context of obedience?

  Uniform signifies authority and increases the likelihood of obedience.
• What did Bickman's research in 1974 demonstrate about uniforms?

  Bickman's research showed that people were more likely to obey a confederate dressed as a security guard than in plain clothes.
• How is obedience culturally transmitted according to the study material?

  Obedience is taught both directly and indirectly through cultural and societal norms.
• What role does social hierarchy play in obedience?

  Most cultures operate a social hierarchy where authority figures are expected to be obeyed.
• What was the uniform worn by the experimenter in Milgram's original study?

  The experimenter wore a grey lab coat.
• What happened when the original experimenter was replaced by a man in plain clothes?

  Only 20% of participants went up to 450 volts in this variation.
• What conclusion did Milgram reach regarding uniforms and obedience?

  Milgram concluded that a uniform confers authority and results in higher levels of obedience.
• What is one factor that explains obedience in Milgram's original study?

  The location of the study is a binding factor that explains obedience.
• Why did the location of the study at Yale University matter?

  Yale University conferred status and prestige on the proceedings.
• What was the effect on obedience when the study was conducted in a run-down building?

  Obedience dropped to 47.5% in the run-down building.
• What conclusion did Milgram draw about location and obedience?

  Milgram concluded that location affects obedience, with lower-status locations resulting in lower obedience.
• What are the strengths of Milgram's situational variables research?

  • Bickman's study supports the idea that situational variables affect obedience.
  • High ecological validity due to naive participants.
  • Standardized procedures enhance reliability.
• What are the limitations of Milgram's situational variables research?

  • Some variations were difficult to fake, impacting validity.
  • Participant suspicion could affect findings.
  • Conclusions could be misused to excuse harmful behavior.