Milgram's Study

Curriculum Area and Level

AQA A-level Psychology - Social influence

Objectives

1. Understand the procedures and findings of Milgram's obedience study.
2. Analyse the ethical issues involved in Milgram's study.
3. Evaluate the strengths and limitations of the study.
4. Engage students through interactive activities and discussions.

Materials Needed

• Interactive whiteboard or projector
• Copies of Milgram's study summary
• Blank paper and pens for each student
• Role-play scenario cards
• Ethical debate prompt cards

Lesson Duration

The complete lesson is designed to run for 60 minutes.

Lesson Breakdown

Introduction (10 minutes)

Teacher Activity:

• Introduce the topic of social influence, specifically obedience.
• Provide a brief overview of Stanley Milgram's study on obedience.
• Explain the significance of the study in understanding human behaviour.

Student Activity:

• Listen to the introduction
• Ask preliminary questions if any doubts arise

Presentation of Milgram’s Study (10 minutes)

Teacher Activity:

• Use the interactive whiteboard/projector to present a detailed summary of Milgram's study, including:
  • The aim
  • The procedure
  • The findings
  • The conclusion

Student Activity:

• Take notes on the presentation.
• Engage by asking clarifying questions about the study.

Role-Play Activity (15 minutes)

Teacher Activity:

• Divide the 8 students into pairs.
• Distribute the role-play scenario cards, which depict various parts of Milgram’s experiment (e.g., roles of the "teacher," "learner," and "experimenter").
• Instruct students to act out the scenario in their pairs.

Student Activity:

• Participate actively in the role-play, taking on assigned roles.
• Discuss their feelings and reactions with their partners after the role-play.

Ethical Analysis (10 minutes)

Teacher Activity:

• Introduce the ethical debates surrounding Milgram's study.
• Provide a summary of the main ethical issues, and distribute ethical debate prompt cards to each student.

Student Activity:

• Work individually to consider the ethical issues presented on their prompt cards.
• Write down their thoughts and prepare to share with the class.

Class Debate (10 minutes)

Teacher Activity:

• Facilitate a class debate on the ethicality of Milgram’s study.
• Encourage each student to share their thoughts and defend their stance using the prompt cards.

Student Activity:

• Participate in the discussion by sharing their insights.
• Listen to their classmates and consider different perspectives.

Evaluation and Conclusion (5 minutes)

Teacher Activity:

• Summarize the key points discussed during the lesson.
• Highlight the importance of ethical considerations in psychological research.
• Announce the success criteria for understanding Milgram’s study and its implications.

Student Activity:

• Reflect on what they have learned.
• Ask any remaining questions they may have.
• Hand in their notes and reflections if required.

Homework Assignment

• Students should read the extended reading on Milgram’s study and write a 300-word reflection on how the findings can apply to real-world situations.

Assessment

• Students will be assessed based on their participation in activities, clarity of thought in the debate, and the quality of their written reflections.

Additional Notes

• This lesson plan aligns well with the AQA A-level Psychology curriculum, specifically addressing the specification on social influence.
• Teachers are encouraged to adapt the activities to fit the unique dynamics of their classroom.

This engaging, interactive lesson aims to provide Year 12 students not only with academic knowledge but also with practical insights and ethical awareness regarding Milgram’s study.