AO1

• Following his baseline study, Milgram carried out a number of variations to investigate whether situational variables would affect obedience levels. What were the variables

  -Proximity

  -Location

  -uniform
• In the proximity variation

  -Teacher and learner in the same room(rather than adjoining) – obedience dropped to 40%

  -Teacher forced learner’s hand on a shock plate – obedience dropped to 30%​

  ​-Teacher had instructions from experimenter over the phone – obedience dropped to 20.5%
• Why did proximity decrease obedience rates

  -ppts were closer to the consequences of their actions
• In the location variation

  -Experiment was conducted in a run-down building (as opposed to yale uni) – obedience dropped to 47.5%
• Why did this change in location dec obedience levels

  -Yale University is a highly prestigious college with a reputation for excellence

  -Having the procedure take place at Yale University conferred status and prestige on the proceedings

  -The less credible, low-status location resulted in a lower level of obedience
• In the uniform variation

  -Experimenter was called away, ‘ordinary member of the public’ stepped in to take over wearing everyday clothes(as opposed to man in lab coat) – obedience dropped to 20%
• Why did uniform dec obedience rates in this case

  -If an individual perceives someone to be an authority figure then they are much more likely to obey orders from them than from someone who appears to lack status or authority

  -uniform conveyed authority