SOME EFFECTS OF GUILT ON COMPLIANCE

Exp. I showed that guilt (induced by having Ss deliver painful electric shocks to a confederate) will sharply increase compliance. Status of the confederate and presence of a witness had no effect. Exp. II differentiated among possible explanations for this effect, and suggested that guilt, rather than sympathy or a desire to make restitution, was the critical variable. Ss who had observed but not delivered the shocks did not comply. Compliance was highest when the request was made by someone who had observed the S deliver the shocks, but was not himself the victim. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1969 American Psychological Association.