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What was the primary method of data collection in Milgram's experiment?

  1. Questionnaires

  2. Observational methods

  3. Interviews

  4. Experimental trials with electric shocks

The correct answer is: Experimental trials with electric shocks

In Milgram's experiment, the primary method of data collection involved experimental trials where participants were instructed to administer electric shocks to another person (an actor). This method allowed Milgram to directly observe participant behavior in response to authority instructions while manipulating the experimental conditions, such as varying the level of shocks and proximity to the learner. This experimental design was crucial for examining the limits of obedience to authority, showcasing how ordinary individuals would comply with directives that conflicted with their personal morals under controlled conditions. The use of electric shocks not only provided quantitative data regarding the maximum shocks administered but also qualitative insights into participants' emotional reactions, contributing significantly to the understanding of obedience in psychology.