Obedience: Milgram’s research

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

  It tested obedience to authority figures.
• What percentage of participants in Milgram's study were willing to give a potentially deadly shock?

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

  Only a few percent would obey orders.
• What were the key features of Milgram's original obedience experiment?

  • Participants believed they were in a memory study.
  • They were assigned roles of teacher and learner.
  • Learners received fake electric shocks for wrong answers.
  • Authority figure was a scientist in a lab coat.
• What were the voltage levels used in Milgram's experiment?

  15 volts to 450 volts
• What did participants hear when they administered shocks?

  The learner cried out in pain.
• What are some criticisms of Milgram's research methodology?

  • Lacks mundane realism and ecological validity.
  • Task was unrealistic compared to everyday life.
  • Gender bias with only male participants.
• What are the strengths of Milgram's experimental methodology?

  • High level of control with standardized procedures.
  • Results are reliable across countries and time periods.
  • Clear instructions allow for replication of the study.
• What methodology did Milgram use in his experiments?

  Standardized procedures for high control
• Why are Milgram's results considered reliable?

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

  Participants suffered emotional distress and deception
• What is the cost-benefit perspective in Milgram's research?

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

  • Ethical concerns: emotional distress, deception
  • Difficulty for participants to withdraw
  • Potential for demand characteristics
• What did Hofling's study reveal about obedience in nurses?

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

  Hospital setting increases perceived authority
• What did Bickman's study find regarding uniforms and obedience?

  Obedience increased with authority uniforms
• What was the obedience percentage in Bickman's parking meter condition?

  89% obedience in guard uniform
• What was the purpose of Sheridan and King's study?

  To avoid demand characteristics in obedience research
• What was the outcome for female participants in Sheridan and King's study?

  100% shocked the puppy to maximum level
• What is a limitation of correlational studies in understanding authoritarian personality?

  Other factors may influence the results
• What are alternative explanations for obedience besides the authoritarian personality?

  • Situational factors like legitimacy of authority
  • Agentic state theory
  • Environmental influences on behavior
• What is the significance of the support from various studies for Milgram's findings?

  They provide context and strengthen his conclusions