Discovering_Pyschology

Part 1 - Question Write a summary of the information presented in the table below. (200 words). Summary of Table The first three rows of the table show average shock levels at which a group of psychiatrists, college students and middle class adults predicted the ‘teacher’ would refuse to continue administering shocks (in volts). The predictions were similar for all three groups (only 17v difference in the predictions), psychiatrists 123v, college students 140v and middle class adults 136v. The results of the experiment then show that in the original study, ‘teacher’ and ‘learner’ in different rooms but could communicate, the average shock level at which ‘teachers’ refused to continue was 368v and 65% of the ‘teachers’ continued to maximum shocks. With the ‘teacher’ in same room as ‘learner’ the average shock level decreased to 312v with 40% administering maximum shocks. With the ‘teacher’ holding the ‘learner’s’ hand on the shock plate the average shock level decreased again to 269v and 30% administering maximum shocks. With the ‘teacher’ being in total control of the shock levels there was a substantial decrease in the average shock level at which ‘teachers’ refused to continue to 82v and only 2.5% used maximum voltage. This shows that the closer the ‘teacher’ and ‘learner’ are to each other the more reluctant the ‘teacher’ is to administer high levels of shocks. It also shows that when ‘teacher’ has total control to choose the level of shocks the scores are substantially decreased. Part 2 - Question You have been asked to prepare a two-page report or hand-out for a class of 16-year-olds who are considering studying psychology but don’t know much about it. Drawing on Chapter 2 and other material you’ve studied that’s relevant to Milgram’s work , prepare an account of how and why Milgram’s work on obedience contributed to our understanding of human behaviour. Report on how and why Milgrim’s work on obedience contributed to our understanding of human behaviour Brief Summary • Background - outline of what Milgrim did/why. • Contribution to our understanding of human behaviour. • Ethical debate. • Brief outline of key points of report. Background Professor Stanley Milgrim carried out an experiment on obedience to authority at Yale University in 1961. The timing of this coincided with the trial of German Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann in Jerusalem. Milgram argued that people would commit atrocities if required to do so by an authority figure. His testing suggested the possibility that Eichmann and millions of accomplices in the Holocaust could have been simply following orders, despite violating their moral beliefs. Milgrim suggested their behaviour could not only have been the result of their personality but also the situation they were in. The experiment involved setting up a supposed memory test to investigate the effect of punishment on learning. The ‘teacher’ administers shocks to the ‘learner’ for incorrect answers. The participant was given the title ‘teacher’ and an actor ‘learner’. Drawing slips of paper ensured the participant would be the ‘teacher’. They were put in separate rooms, could communicate but not see each other. The ‘learner’ mentions that he has a heart condition. The results showed that 65% of participants administered the maximum 450v shock. The average level of shock administered was 368v. All participants questioned the experiment and many were uncomfortable administering the maximum shocks. Variations of the experiment were subsequently performed throughout the world and under different circumstances. Although levels of obedience were reduced they were not significantly lower. Prior to the experiment Milgrim polled a group of psychiatrists, college students and middle class adults whose predictions of shock levels at which ‘teachers’ would refuse to continue were much lower. Contribution to our understanding of human behaviour Milgrim’s experiment shows that if put in a position where an authority figure tells us we must do something we are likely to go against our moral judgement and do as instructed. When put in this position we can also pass blame to the authority figure telling us we have to do it. In the BBC Horizon programme entitled ‘You do as you are told’, Milgrim states that, ‘In the obedience experiment it is not the personality of the experimenter but rather his role which exacts compliance’. (Milgrim on Milgrim: Part 2 (Obedience in the City (2010)). In variations of the experiment the authority figure is removed and this has lowered the shocks administered. Also placing the ‘learner’ and ‘teacher’ in the same room has lowered shocks. This suggests that we are more likely to administer higher shocks from a distance, maybe if we do not see the victim as another human being. Milgrim also experimented with another ‘teacher’ who was prepared to administer maximum shocks and all participants followed suit, showing if someone else present was okay with it, we would be too. Ethics Milgrim’s studies threw up all kinds of ethical debates. Fellow psychologist Diana Baumrind challenged Milgrim on whether the welfare of the participants had been properly protected. Baumrind’s view was that participants’ anxiety levels was enough to stop the experiment. Baumrind states that ‘Certain problems in psychological research require the experimenter to balance his career and scientific interests against the interests of his prospective subjects’ (Banyard , 2010, p79). Milgrim argued that he was not oblivious to the needs of the participants and was aware of potential harm. Immediately following the experiment it was ensured participants were alright and a follow up survey was carried out a year later in which 84% of participants said they were happy to have taken part. Conclusion • Milgrim carried out obedience to authority experiment. • 65% of participants administered maximum 450v shock. Average level of shock administered 368v. • We are likely to follow suit. • Studies kick-started ethics debate. • Need highlighted for stricter guidelines. • Studies were deemed ethical but would violate strict guidelines in place now. References Milgrim on Milgrim: Part 2 (Obedience in the City) (2010) (video), DSE 141 Discovering Psychology, Milton Keynes, The Open University Banyard P (2010) ‘Just Following Orders’ in Brace, N and Byford, J (eds), Discovering Psychology, Milton Keynes, The Open University Word Count: 862 Self Evaluation Which skills and materials do I feel I have got to grips with best' Setting out the report and planning. Which skills and subjects do I most need help with' Referencing and keeping to correct amount of words.