Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main aim of Milgram's (1963) study on obedience?

Accepted Answer

To investigate how far ordinary people would obey an authority figure when instructed to perform an action that conflicted with their personal morals.

Question 2

In Milgram's study, what role did the 'teacher' play?

Accepted Answer

The teacher was the participant instructed to administer electric shocks to the learner.

Question 3

Which concept introduced by Milgram explains why people may obey orders even when they conflict with personal morals?

Accepted Answer

Agentic state

Question 4

What percentage of Milgram's participants continued to the maximum shock level of 450 volts?

Accepted Answer

$$65\%$$

Question 5

Which of the following is a major ethical criticism of Milgram's study?

Accepted Answer

Participants were deceived about the true purpose of the study and believed they were harming another person.

Question 6

Milgram's study is best categorized as which type of research method?

Accepted Answer

Controlled observation in a laboratory setting

Question 7

Which of the following is an example of 'legitimate authority' as described in Milgram's findings?

Accepted Answer

A police officer instructing you to move your car.

Question 8

Why did Milgram use a shock machine that appeared genuine and give participants a sample shock?

Accepted Answer

To convince participants that the shocks were real and enhance the credibility of the experimental setup.

Question 9

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of the 'agentic state'?

Accepted Answer

A person following orders but believing the authority figure is responsible for the consequences.

Question 10

What was a key limitation of Milgram's sample?

Accepted Answer

It included only American males, limiting generalizability.

Question 11

Which real-world event most directly inspired Milgram's interest in obedience?

Accepted Answer

The Holocaust and Nazi Germany

Question 12

Before conducting his experiment, Milgram asked experts to estimate how many participants would administer the full 450 volts. What was their estimate?

Accepted Answer

$$0\%$$ - $$3\%$$

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a strength of Milgram's study?

Accepted Answer

It had high ecological validity due to its real-world setting.

Question 14

A participant in Milgram's study continues to administer shocks despite showing signs of distress. According to Milgram, what is the most likely explanation for this behavior?

Accepted Answer

The participant is obeying a perceived authority figure.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes a practical application of Milgram's findings?

Accepted Answer

Explaining why people follow orders in military settings.

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of destructive obedience as studied by Milgram?

Accepted Answer

Obeying an order to harm another person despite personal moral objections.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why Milgram's study is criticized for its ecological validity?

Accepted Answer

The laboratory setting and task of giving electric shocks do not reflect typical real-life obedience situations.

Question 18

If Milgram had included women and participants from other cultures, which aspect of his study would have been improved?

Accepted Answer

Generalizability of the findings

Question 19

Which of the following best summarizes Hannah Arendt's observation of Adolf Eichmann's trial?

Accepted Answer

Many ordinary people are capable of obeying harmful orders, not just 'monsters.'

Question 20

A company manager instructs employees to falsify reports. According to Milgram's findings, what factor is most likely to increase employee obedience?

Accepted Answer

The manager is seen as having legitimate authority.

Milgram's Study of Obedience: Social Psychology Mini-Textbook Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards