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Topic 1 – Social Psychology: Content 2015
Milgram (1963): Results
Milgram collected lots of different types of data in
his study, both qualitative and quantitative. As
you now know there are four different “levels of
measurement” that can be sued to describe
quantitative data; nominal, ordinal, interval and
ratio. It is important to understand the difference
between the levels of measurement and be able to
identify examples as they help us decide how to
analyse our results.
For each of the following examples from Milgram’s experiments, please indicate whether the
data is quantitative or qualitative. If it is quantitative please add which level of measurement
in being used and whether he ought to use the mode, median or mean as his measure of
central tendency.
Data collected by Milgram
Maximum voltage of shock administered (0-450)
Post-experiment, the participants explained why they either
obeyed/disobeyed
Whether or not they went up to 450 V
How nervous or tense Pps felt on a 14 point scale at the
point of maximum tension
Participants were asked to rate how painful they thought the
shocks were on a scale
Transcripts of what the participants were saying to Mr
Williams at the point of defiance
Responses in the post-experiment questionnaire where Pp
were asked to express their thoughts and feelings about their
behaviour
Observational notes included the fact that at the point when
the experimenter halted the proceedings, obedient Pps
heaved signs of relief, mopped their brows, fumbled for
cigarettes, shook their heads, rubbed their eyes.
In one variation study, Pps were asked the maximum
voltage of shock they themselves would be willing to accept
Milgram counted the number of people who said they
would be willing to accept a shock higher than the
maximum level of shock they themselves administered to
the learner.
Number of milliseconds participants kept their finger on the
highest switch they pressed, and how long between hearing
the learner’s answer and pressing the switch (latency)
Qualitative or
quantitative
Level of
measurement
Measure of
central
tendency