Milgram and Adorno: Explanations For Obedience

• What did Milgram's study aim to test regarding authority figures?

  It aimed to test obedience to authority figures.
• What percentage of participants in Milgram's study were willing to administer deadly shocks?

  65%
• What was the initial belief of psychologists regarding obedience in Milgram's study?

  Only a few percent would obey orders.
• What role did the Confederates play in Milgram's experiment?

  They acted as learners and scientists.
• How were participants misled about the nature of the study?

  They were told it was a memory study.
• What was the significance of the participant's role as 'teacher' in the experiment?

  It ensured they administered shocks to learners.
• What did participants hear when they administered shocks?

  They heard the learner cry out in pain.
• What was the highest voltage level participants could administer?

  450 volts
• What did the scientist claim when participants expressed concern for the learner's health?

  The scientist claimed responsibility for the experiment.
• What does the term 'agentic state' refer to in Milgram's research?

  Carrying out orders without feeling personal responsibility.
• What is the opposite of the agentic state called?

  Autonomous state
• How does socialization affect obedience to authority?

  It teaches us whom to respect and obey.
• What role do uniforms play in authority according to Milgram's findings?

  They act as visible symbols of authority.
• How did changing the location of the experiment affect obedience rates?

  Obedience dropped when moved to a rundown office.
• What was the obedience rate when the authority figure was on the phone?

  21%
• What does Milgram suggest happens when participants are further from the authority figure?

  They return to a more autonomous state.
• What was the effect of the authority figure wearing plain clothes on obedience rates?

  Obedience dropped to 20%.
• What methodological flaw is associated with Milgram's experiment?

  It lacked mundane realism.
• What is a criticism regarding the gender bias in Milgram's study?

  It used only male participants.
• What is the counter dispositional explanation for obedience suggested by Adorno?

  People with authoritarian personalities obey more.
• What is a strength of Milgram's experimental methodology?

  It used standardized procedures for control.
• How have Milgram's results been shown to be reliable?

  They were consistent across countries and time periods.
• What does Adorno suggest about obedience in relation to personality?

  Only people with authoritarian personalities show extreme obedience
• What methodology did Milgram use in his experiments?

  Standardized procedures
• Why is Milgram's methodology considered reliable?

  Results were consistent across countries and time
• What ethical criticisms are associated with Milgram's study?

  Participants suffered emotional distress
• What is a counterargument to the ethical criticisms of Milgram's study?

  Harm was justified by research impact
• What are the methodological criticisms of Milgram's study?

  • Ethical concerns about emotional distress
  • Difficulty for participants to withdraw
  • Deception about the study's nature
• What did Hofling's study reveal about nurse obedience?

  21 out of 22 nurses complied with orders
• How does the hospital setting influence obedience according to Hofling's study?

  Legitimacy of authority increases obedience
• What was Bickman's finding regarding uniforms and obedience?

  Obedience increased with guard uniform
• What was the outcome of Sheridan and King's study on obedience?

  100% of females shocked the puppy maximally
• How does Adorno's theory differ from Milgram's regarding obedience?

  Adorno focuses on personality traits for obedience
• What does the F scale measure?

  Authoritarian personality traits
• What does a high score on the F scale indicate?

  Fixed stereotypes and strong authority respect
• What are the factors measured by the F scale?

  • Authoritarian submission
  • Power and toughness
• How does Adorno's theory explain variations in obedience?

  Obedience varies due to individual personality traits
• What correlation issue exists in studying authoritarian personality and obedience?

  Cannot conduct randomized trials on childhood abuse
• What is a criticism of the F scale questionnaire?

  It may have acquiescence bias
• Why is using authoritarian personality as an explanation for obedience considered simplistic?

  It overlooks social structures and peer pressure