Milgram's Obedience Experiments

Definition

Milgram's Obedience Experiments were a series of psychological studies conducted by Stanley Milgram in the 1960s, aimed at understanding the extent to which individuals would obey authority figures, even when asked to perform actions conflicting with their personal conscience. These experiments highlighted the power of authority and social influence in shaping behavior, illustrating how ordinary people can commit harmful acts under the directive of an authority figure. The findings have significant implications for understanding human behavior in social contexts, particularly how people conform to societal expectations and authority demands.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The most famous version of Milgram's experiment involved participants being instructed to administer electric shocks to another person, with increasing voltage levels for incorrect answers.
2. About 65% of participants continued to the maximum voltage level, showcasing a shocking level of obedience despite hearing simulated screams of pain.
3. Milgram's experiments revealed factors that influence obedience, including the proximity of the authority figure and the perceived legitimacy of the setting.
4. The study raised significant ethical concerns about participant welfare, leading to stricter ethical guidelines in psychological research.
5. Follow-up studies demonstrated variations in obedience based on cultural context and individual differences, suggesting a complex interplay between societal norms and personal morality.

Review Questions

• How did Milgram's experiments illustrate the concept of obedience in relation to authority figures?
  • Milgram's experiments showcased obedience as individuals followed commands from an authority figure even when it conflicted with their moral beliefs. The participants believed they were causing real harm to another person but still continued administering shocks due to the authority's insistence. This highlights how powerful authority can be in directing behavior, revealing a psychological tendency to conform to social pressures.
• Discuss the ethical implications raised by Milgram's Obedience Experiments and how they shaped future psychological research practices.
  • The ethical implications from Milgram's experiments primarily centered on the psychological distress experienced by participants who believed they were harming others. This led to a reevaluation of ethical standards in psychology, emphasizing informed consent, participant welfare, and debriefing. As a result, modern research ethics are designed to prevent potential harm and ensure that participants are treated with respect and dignity during experiments.
• Evaluate how cultural factors might influence levels of obedience observed in Milgram's experiments compared to contemporary societies.
  • Cultural factors play a significant role in influencing levels of obedience, as different societies have varying attitudes towards authority and individualism. In cultures that emphasize collectivism and respect for hierarchy, higher levels of obedience might be observed compared to more individualistic cultures that encourage critical thinking and questioning authority. This evaluation suggests that while Milgram's findings reveal a universal tendency toward obedience, the degree can vary significantly based on cultural context and societal values.

Related terms

Authority: The legitimate power or right of an individual or group to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.

Conformity: The act of aligning attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to match those of a group or authority.

Ethics in Psychology: The moral principles that govern research practices and the treatment of participants in psychological studies.