FRQ1

Sarah Bellum, a student in an English class, read about a replication of the Milgram experiment. In this replication, the teacher’s face is covered. Also, there are four “teachers” in the room, though three are actors and always follow the instructor’s commands. The shocks start at 15 volts and increase by 15 volts for each incorrect answer given. The hooded teacher gives the highest level of voltage to the learner. Afterwards, the teacher states that the learner deserved to be shocked for being so ignorant. Despite this willingness to be obedient, the teacher showed tremendous stress during the procedure by trembling and becoming tearful when giving shocks at the higher levels. At the completion of the experiment, when asked why they shocked the learner, the teacher replied, "The experimenter told me to do so they are responsible!"

In her essay about the experiment, Sarah expresses outrage that any individual would be willing to shock an innocent person. She is certain that she could never do such a thing and that the teacher must be a sadistic person.

1. Define each of the following terms.

2. Apply each term to describe/explain the relevant aspect of the paragraph above.

Deindividuation

Foot in-the-door phenomenon

Cognitive dissonance

Just world phenomenon

Fundamental attribution error

Frustration-aggression principle

Normative social influence