A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

What was the response of the experimenter when participants showed defiance?

1. The experimenter would terminate the session

2. The experimenter encouraged them to continue

3. The experimenter went silent

4. The experimenter reassured them with personal stories

The correct answer is: The experimenter encouraged them to continue

In studies such as those conducted by Stanley Milgram, when participants exhibited signs of defiance or hesitation in carrying out orders, the experimenter often encouraged them to continue with the task. This approach was significant in maintaining the authority of the experimenter and the experimental conditions. The encouragement served to reinforce the expectation that participants should comply with the instructions, despite their discomfort or moral objections. This tactic is crucial in understanding the dynamics of authority and obedience that Milgram aimed to explore. The way participants were encouraged to persist helped demonstrate the psychological pressure felt when an authority figure insisted on compliance, providing insights into obedience under social influence and the conflict between personal conscience and authority directives. Other responses, such as the experimenter terminating the session or remaining silent, would not effectively serve the purpose of exploring the impact of authority on behavior, and would not align with the experimental design aimed at investigating the extent of obedience among participants under duress.