Essay

Recall the core methodological feature of Stanley Milgram’s original obedience study that classifies it as a key example of observational research. Explain what Milgram did instead of manipulating variables, and specify what he measured.

Question: Recall the core methodological feature of Stanley Milgram’s original obedience study that classifies it as a key example of observational research. Explain what Milgram did instead of manipulating variables, and specify what he measured.

Sample answer: Milgram's original obedience study is classified as observational research because he did not manipulate an independent variable. Instead, he observed all participants performing the exact same task under identical conditions to measure the extent to which they obeyed an authority figure.

Key points:

  • No manipulation of an independent variable across different conditions.
  • Observation of all participants performing the exact same task under identical conditions.
  • Measurement of the extent to which participants obeyed an authority figure.

Rubric: To receive full credit, the response must state that Milgram did not manipulate an independent variable across conditions, that he kept conditions identical for all participants, and that he measured the extent of their obedience to an authority figure.

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Updated 2026-05-27

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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

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