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Based on the text, describe the specific components of active deception used in the Milgram experiment and recall the scientific justification provided for causing severe psychological stress to the participants.

Question: Based on the text, describe the specific components of active deception used in the Milgram experiment and recall the scientific justification provided for causing severe psychological stress to the participants.

Sample answer: The Milgram experiment utilized active deception by misinforming participants that they were administering lethal electric shocks to another person. This was achieved using phony equipment, specifically a fake shock generator, and employing confederates to mislead the subjects. The justification for causing severe psychological stress through this deception was that certain socially important research questions, such as obedience to authority, are difficult to answer without deceiving the participants.

Key points:

  • Active deception involved misleading participants about administering lethal electric shocks.
  • The study utilized phony equipment, specifically a fake shock generator.
  • The researchers used confederates to mislead the participants.
  • The deception was justified because the socially important research question is difficult to answer without deceiving subjects.

Rubric: A full credit response must identify the use of phony equipment (fake shock generator) and confederates as the methods of active deception, and state that the deception was scientifically justified because the socially important question of obedience is difficult to answer otherwise.

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Updated 2026-05-27

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KPU

Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

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