Milgram Experiment

Definition

The Milgram Experiment was a psychological study conducted in the 1960s to investigate obedience to authority figures, wherein participants believed they were administering electric shocks to a learner for incorrect answers. This study highlighted the lengths to which individuals would go in obeying authority, raising significant ethical questions about informed consent, psychological harm, and the responsibilities of researchers toward their subjects in abnormal psychology research.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Milgram Experiment demonstrated that a significant percentage of participants were willing to administer what they believed to be painful electric shocks to others when instructed by an authority figure.
2. The experiment revealed a shocking willingness among ordinary people to comply with authority, even when it conflicted with their personal conscience.
3. Due to the emotional distress experienced by participants, the Milgram Experiment raised major concerns regarding ethical standards in psychological research.
4. Debates surrounding the ethical implications of the experiment led to changes in research guidelines, particularly regarding the treatment of human subjects.
5. The findings from the Milgram Experiment have been used to explain behaviors in real-world situations, such as the actions of individuals during wartime or under totalitarian regimes.

Review Questions

• How did the results of the Milgram Experiment contribute to our understanding of obedience within social psychology?
  • The Milgram Experiment revealed that people could obey authority figures to the extent of causing harm to others, challenging assumptions about individual moral agency. It showed that social and situational factors can significantly influence behavior, leading individuals to act against their ethical beliefs when directed by an authority. This understanding has profound implications for how we view authority and conformity in various social contexts.
• What ethical concerns arose from the Milgram Experiment, and how did they influence future research practices?
  • The Milgram Experiment raised serious ethical issues related to informed consent, psychological harm, and deception. Participants were not fully aware of the true nature of the study, leading to emotional distress and feelings of guilt. These concerns prompted changes in research ethics, including stricter guidelines requiring full disclosure and minimizing potential harm to participants in future studies.
• Evaluate the impact of the Milgram Experiment on public perceptions of authority and morality in society.
  • The Milgram Experiment profoundly impacted public perceptions by illustrating how ordinary individuals could commit acts against their moral judgment under authority pressure. This has led to increased scrutiny of authority figures and institutions, as well as discussions around moral responsibility. The experiment's legacy continues to resonate today, influencing discussions on ethics in leadership, compliance in organizations, and the potential for coercion in various societal roles.

Related terms

Obedience: A form of social influence where an individual acts in response to a direct order from an authority figure.

Informed Consent:

The process of providing potential research participants with adequate information about a study's purpose, risks, and benefits before they agree to participate.

Deception in Research: A practice in which researchers intentionally withhold information or mislead participants about the true nature of a study, often used to reduce bias in responses.