Question

If an experimenter wants to study the effect of punishment on learning, and has decided to use electric shock as punishment and learning a list of 10 common words to measure learning, what should the experimenter tell the participants about the study before it begins?

a. Nothing, because it would make them try harder.
b. That they will have to learn something before they are allowed to leave the experiment.
c. That they should remain in the experiment until its conclusion, no matter what happens.
d. That they will be subjected to electric shock, and that they have the right to withdraw from the experiment at any time.

Answer 1

Participants in an experiment studying the effect of punishment on learning must be told that they will face electric shock as punishment and have the right to withdraw at any time. This is to ensure informed consent and adherence to ethical research standards.

Step-by-step explanation:

If an experimenter wants to study the effect of punishment on learning, and decides to use electric shock as a form of punishment, it is crucial that the experimenter fully informs the participants about the study before it begins. The correct answer to what the experimenter should tell the participants is that they will be subjected to electric shock, and they have the right to withdraw from the experiment at any time. This information is essential for obtaining informed consent and adhering to ethical guidelines in psychological research.

Moreover, based on the historical context of the Milgram experiment, which dealt with authority and obedience, transparency in the experimental procedure is important to ensure that participants are aware of the nature of the experiment. It is crucial to inform them of their rights, the potential risks, and the fact that their participation is voluntary. Additionally, participants should be told about any deception involved in the study and be debriefed afterward to ensure they understand the purpose and nature of the experiment.