Factors influencing level of obedience in Milgram's Study

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Factors influencing level of obedience in Milgram’s Study

1.The subjects did not feel that they were responsible for any harm to the learner

I think that this is one of the most important factors that increased levels of obedience in the study because the participants felt that they were only being told what to do by the ‘expert’. This was shown in part of the video of the experiment in which a man repeatedly asked whether the ‘expert’ would take all responsibility for his actions, when the ‘expert’ said he would take responsibility, the participant continued to give shocks up to the maximum level.

2.The experimenter was seen as an ‘expert’- knew what he was doing.

This factor would have increased levels of obedience in the study because the participants perceived that the ‘expert’ had more knowledge of the situation than them and so trusted his judgement.

3.The shocks increased gradually- only giving 15 volts more each time.

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I think that this was a big factor in increasing obedience because it means that the participant gradually becomes more committed. Increasing the shock by only a small amount each time makes the participant feel as though they have just given a shock which is only a small amount less painful than the one they are about to give, so they are more likely to continue increasing shocks.

4.The experimenter was always there watching the subject give the shocks.

I think that the presence of the experimenter would have increased levels of obedience because if the participant is being ...

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