Experiment

• Learning task

  • learner memorizing word-pair associations
  • P required to select an option by pressing a corresponding switch in front of him
  • choosing an answer = lit up a quadrant (/4) above the shock generator
  • incorrect answer = P required to administer an electric shock, 1 level higher with each incorrect answer
  • P required to announce the voltage level before giving the shock
• Preliminary run

  • Ps took 10 trial runs to practice the procedure so it went smoothly
  • Ps required this practice to master the task
  • 7/10 trials involved delivering shocks, going up to a maximum of 105V
  • Ps given a 2nd list of words for regular run afterwards
• Regular run

  • 300V and 315V shock administered, learner pounded on the wall
  • after 300V, he stopped responding to questions via the switches
  • P was told to treat no response = incorrect
• 1. P brought into separate room: can still communicate w/ learner but cannot see e/o
  2. P placed infront of shock generator (doesn't produce actual shocks but make a noise when switches are pressed)
  3. P told to teach learner word-pair & then given real shock 45V (the only real shock in study)
  4. Learner make planned error: incorrect = increased shocks
• 75 V: grunt

  120 V: complain

  150 V: scream

  300 V: pound wall / quiet