Milgrim’s findings

• Quantitative Data:

  • Before the study took place, Milgram estimated 0-3% of participants would administer 450 Volts-underestimate.
• • Large majority went to the highest level
• • At 300 volts (12.5%) of participants refused to continue- the point where the learner made the only protest.
• • 26/40 (65% administered full 450 volts- remaining 35% defied the experimenter's authority
• • Many showed nervousness and a large number showed extreme tension (sweat, tremble, stutter)
• • 14 participants displayed 'nervous laughter and smiling'- they explained the weren't sadistic and weren't enjoying shocking the learner, acting against their own values
• • 3 participants had 'full blown uncontrollable seizures'
• • 1 had such a violent convulsion that the research had to be stopped
• • Yale University being a prestigious location for a study
• • Participants assumed the experimenter was a professional and knew what he was doing so instructions should be followed
• • Didn't wish to disrupt study as they voluntarily took part and were paid
• • Novel situation- participants didn't know how to behave