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Milgram Obedience Study Summary: Hypothesis, Procedure, Results, and Ethical Issues

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Gracie

08/03/2023

Psychology

Milgram’s original experiment (1963) AO1 AO3

320

8 Mar 2023

2 pages

Milgram Obedience Study Summary: Hypothesis, Procedure, Results, and Ethical Issues

user profile picture

Gracie

@graciecauliflower

The Milgram obedience studywas a groundbreaking experiment that investigated... Show more

"
predicted that 10%.'
would obey fully -
All (1001.)
went up to
300✓
Srefused
at 300v
ppt goes up to
450v deemed
obedient. Told
to just car

Evaluation of Milgram's Obedience Study

The Milgram study evaluation reveals both strengths and weaknesses of this influential research. Understanding these aspects is crucial for A level Psychology students analyzing the experiment's impact and limitations.

Strengths of Milgram's study:

  1. High validity: The laboratory setting allowed for strict control of variables, ensuring each participant had a similar experience.
  2. High reliability: The standardized procedure, including identical recordings and voltage options, allows for potential replication.
  3. Real-world applications: The study provides insights into increasing or decreasing obedience in various contexts.

Highlight: The findings can be applied to prevent future tragedies by better understanding blind obedience mechanisms.

Weaknesses of Milgram's study:

  1. Ethical concerns: The experiment involved deception, potential psychological harm, and difficulty withdrawing.

Vocabulary: Informed consent - agreement to participate in a study after being fully informed about its nature and potential risks.

  1. Limited generalizability: The original study used a sample of 40 American males aged 20-50, mostly from middle-class backgrounds.
  2. Low ecological validity: The artificial laboratory setting may not accurately reflect real-world obedience scenarios.

Example: The British Psychological Society's code of ethics now prohibits deception and requires informed consent, which would make exact replication of Milgram's study impossible.

Milgram experiment ethical issues remain a topic of debate. While the study provided valuable insights, it raised questions about the psychological impact on participants and the use of deception in research.

Quote: "In order to keep the experiment valid, Milgram had to break ethical codes whichwerentsetupyetwhich weren't set up yet. Benefit > Risk."

The Milgram application to real life extends beyond understanding historical events. It informs strategies for increasing ethical behavior in various settings, from corporate environments to military contexts.

Highlight: Understanding obedience mechanisms can help design interventions to prevent harmful compliance in real-world situations.

In conclusion, while the Milgram experiment has faced criticism for its ethical implications, its profound impact on our understanding of human behavior and obedience to authority remains undeniable. The study continues to be a cornerstone in psychology education and research on social influence.

"
predicted that 10%.'
would obey fully -
All (1001.)
went up to
300✓
Srefused
at 300v
ppt goes up to
450v deemed
obedient. Told
to just car

Milgram Experiment Procedure and Results

The Milgram experiment procedure involved participants taking on the role of a "teacher" administering electric shocks to a "learner" for incorrect answers. The shocks increased in voltage with each wrong answer, up to a dangerous 450 volts.

Highlight: 26 out of 40 participants 6565% obeyed fully by administering the maximum 450-volt shock.

Key aspects of the procedure included:

  • Participants met the "learner" actuallyaconfederateactually a confederate beforehand
  • The shock generator had switches labeled from 15 to 450 volts
  • When participants hesitated, the experimenter used standardized verbal prompts
  • At 300 volts, the learner banged on the wall and stopped responding

Example: Prompts used by the experimenter included "Please continue" and "The experiment requires that you continue."

The Milgram experiment results revealed:

  • Most participants exhibited signs of extreme stress sweating,trembling,nervouslaughtersweating, trembling, nervous laughter
  • Participants completed a questionnaire afterward rating their distress levels
  • The study aimed to investigate if Germans were uniquely prone to blind obedience

Definition: Obedience in this context refers to following orders from an authority figure, even when those orders conflict with personal moral beliefs.

Milgram's experiment conclusion challenged prevailing notions about evil acts:

  1. Ordinary people can commit harmful acts under pressure from authority
  2. Obedience to authority is a powerful influencer of behavior
  3. Situational factors play a significant role in determining obedience levels

Quote: Milgram stated, "Ordinary people, simply doing their jobs, and without any particular hostility on their part, can become agents in a terrible destructive process."



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Where can I download the Knowunity app?

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Is Knowunity really free of charge?

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Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Psychology

320

8 Mar 2023

2 pages

Milgram Obedience Study Summary: Hypothesis, Procedure, Results, and Ethical Issues

user profile picture

Gracie

@graciecauliflower

The Milgram obedience study was a groundbreaking experiment that investigated how far people would go in obeying an authority figure's instructions to harm another person. This influential study revealed surprising insights about human behavior and obedience to authority.

  • 65% of... Show more

"
predicted that 10%.'
would obey fully -
All (1001.)
went up to
300✓
Srefused
at 300v
ppt goes up to
450v deemed
obedient. Told
to just car

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Evaluation of Milgram's Obedience Study

The Milgram study evaluation reveals both strengths and weaknesses of this influential research. Understanding these aspects is crucial for A level Psychology students analyzing the experiment's impact and limitations.

Strengths of Milgram's study:

  1. High validity: The laboratory setting allowed for strict control of variables, ensuring each participant had a similar experience.
  2. High reliability: The standardized procedure, including identical recordings and voltage options, allows for potential replication.
  3. Real-world applications: The study provides insights into increasing or decreasing obedience in various contexts.

Highlight: The findings can be applied to prevent future tragedies by better understanding blind obedience mechanisms.

Weaknesses of Milgram's study:

  1. Ethical concerns: The experiment involved deception, potential psychological harm, and difficulty withdrawing.

Vocabulary: Informed consent - agreement to participate in a study after being fully informed about its nature and potential risks.

  1. Limited generalizability: The original study used a sample of 40 American males aged 20-50, mostly from middle-class backgrounds.
  2. Low ecological validity: The artificial laboratory setting may not accurately reflect real-world obedience scenarios.

Example: The British Psychological Society's code of ethics now prohibits deception and requires informed consent, which would make exact replication of Milgram's study impossible.

Milgram experiment ethical issues remain a topic of debate. While the study provided valuable insights, it raised questions about the psychological impact on participants and the use of deception in research.

Quote: "In order to keep the experiment valid, Milgram had to break ethical codes whichwerentsetupyetwhich weren't set up yet. Benefit > Risk."

The Milgram application to real life extends beyond understanding historical events. It informs strategies for increasing ethical behavior in various settings, from corporate environments to military contexts.

Highlight: Understanding obedience mechanisms can help design interventions to prevent harmful compliance in real-world situations.

In conclusion, while the Milgram experiment has faced criticism for its ethical implications, its profound impact on our understanding of human behavior and obedience to authority remains undeniable. The study continues to be a cornerstone in psychology education and research on social influence.

"
predicted that 10%.'
would obey fully -
All (1001.)
went up to
300✓
Srefused
at 300v
ppt goes up to
450v deemed
obedient. Told
to just car

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Milgram Experiment Procedure and Results

The Milgram experiment procedure involved participants taking on the role of a "teacher" administering electric shocks to a "learner" for incorrect answers. The shocks increased in voltage with each wrong answer, up to a dangerous 450 volts.

Highlight: 26 out of 40 participants 6565% obeyed fully by administering the maximum 450-volt shock.

Key aspects of the procedure included:

  • Participants met the "learner" actuallyaconfederateactually a confederate beforehand
  • The shock generator had switches labeled from 15 to 450 volts
  • When participants hesitated, the experimenter used standardized verbal prompts
  • At 300 volts, the learner banged on the wall and stopped responding

Example: Prompts used by the experimenter included "Please continue" and "The experiment requires that you continue."

The Milgram experiment results revealed:

  • Most participants exhibited signs of extreme stress sweating,trembling,nervouslaughtersweating, trembling, nervous laughter
  • Participants completed a questionnaire afterward rating their distress levels
  • The study aimed to investigate if Germans were uniquely prone to blind obedience

Definition: Obedience in this context refers to following orders from an authority figure, even when those orders conflict with personal moral beliefs.

Milgram's experiment conclusion challenged prevailing notions about evil acts:

  1. Ordinary people can commit harmful acts under pressure from authority
  2. Obedience to authority is a powerful influencer of behavior
  3. Situational factors play a significant role in determining obedience levels

Quote: Milgram stated, "Ordinary people, simply doing their jobs, and without any particular hostility on their part, can become agents in a terrible destructive process."

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user