Milgram's Obedience Study

Definition

Milgram's Obedience Study was a groundbreaking psychological experiment conducted in the early 1960s by Stanley Milgram to understand the extent to which individuals would obey authority figures, even when instructed to perform actions conflicting with their personal conscience. The study revealed startling insights into human behavior, particularly how ordinary people can commit harmful acts when directed by an authoritative source. This study is pivotal in understanding concepts of conformity and obedience within social psychology.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The study involved participants being instructed to administer increasingly severe electric shocks to a 'learner' for incorrect answers, although no actual shocks were given.
2. About 65% of participants continued to the highest shock level, demonstrating a high level of obedience despite moral objections.
3. The study highlighted the conflict between personal conscience and obedience to authority, showing that situational factors could override individual morals.
4. Milgram's findings raised significant ethical questions regarding the treatment of participants, leading to stricter guidelines for future psychological research.
5. The experiment has been replicated in various forms, consistently finding that people are surprisingly willing to obey authority figures even in distressing circumstances.

Review Questions

• How did Milgram's Obedience Study demonstrate the conflict between personal morals and obedience to authority?
  • Milgram's Obedience Study showcased this conflict through participants being asked to administer electric shocks to another person. Despite visible distress and objections from the 'learner', many participants continued to follow orders from the authority figure overseeing the experiment. This indicates that when faced with an authoritative directive, individuals may suppress their moral beliefs and comply, revealing deep insights into human nature and social dynamics.
• What ethical concerns arose from Milgram's Obedience Study, and how have they influenced research practices in psychology?
  • The ethical concerns from Milgram's study primarily revolved around the psychological stress inflicted on participants who believed they were harming another individual. The lack of informed consent and potential long-term effects on participants led to significant debate. As a result, ethical standards were tightened in psychological research, emphasizing the necessity for participant welfare, informed consent, and clear debriefing processes to ensure ethical compliance.
• Evaluate the implications of Milgram's findings on our understanding of social influence and obedience in real-world scenarios.
  • Milgram's findings significantly impacted our comprehension of social influence by demonstrating that ordinary people can commit harmful acts under authoritative pressure. This understanding extends beyond laboratory settings; it provides insight into historical events where individuals followed harmful orders during conflicts or genocides. Recognizing this tendency helps society reflect on moral responsibility and resistance against unethical directives, highlighting the importance of critical thinking and personal integrity in social contexts.

Related terms

Authority: A person or organization that holds power and influence over others, often guiding or directing their actions and decisions.

Ethics in Research: Guidelines that ensure research is conducted morally, respecting the rights and dignity of participants, especially regarding informed consent and the right to withdraw.

Social Influence: The way individuals change their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors as a result of real or imagined pressure from others.