1. CLASS 23

2. Obedience Film Famous experiment by Stanley Milgram
Conducted in the early 1960s
Demonstrates the power of the situation
In particular, the power of authority figures

3. SUMMARY
Subjects received a $4.50 payment
(not contingent on finishing)
Results showed found a surprising degree of compliance (even surprising to experts)
Up to 65% of subjects were ‘fully obedient’ (administered electric shocks up to the XXX danger level)
50% in the version shown in class video

4. Contributing factors
Over the years, several independent variables were manipulated to see the effect
Psychological proximity of victim and experimenter, prestige of organization
No gender
So far, no country differences

5. Why do we tend to obey? Selected by evolution ?
Generally adaptive for society
Power hierarchies more effective?
Yes, but…….

6. Ethical Issues Highly stressful situation
Tension between two psychological forces: obedience & empathy
Nervous laughter
The experiment is now considered to be unethical

7. Recent Replications California: Burger (2009)
United Kingdom: Virtual reality
France: Le Jeu de la Mort