Explain one problem that could arise if children were used as participants in the study by Milgram (obedience).

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Feb/Mar 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1] There are ethical issues with using children.
2. [1] This could be protection from psychological harm.
3. [1] In this study, children would have had to think they had given an electric shock to another child which would be very distressing.
4. [1] Children may not understand what is being asked of them.
5. [1] Therefore, the children may not understand how to use the shock generator.
6. [1] As a result, the children may have seen it as a game and therefore obedience may not be measured.
7. [1] Other creditworthy problems include: children are more vulnerable/susceptible; limited language capacity; can affect their mental state.