The Milgram Experiment - Shock Study on Obedience Conclusions

Practical Psychology6 minutes read

The Milgram Shock Study by Stanley Milgram explored the obedience to authority figures, with 65% of participants administering the highest level of shocks despite them being fake, raising ethical concerns about coercion and psychological impacts.

Insights

  • 1. Despite the shocks being fake, 65% of participants in the Milgram Shock Study administered the highest level of voltage, revealing a significant tendency to obey authority figures even when it conflicts with personal morals or ethics.
  • 2. Critiques of the study raise valid concerns about ethical considerations, participant diversity, and the psychological effects on those involved, highlighting the complex implications of research that delves into obedience and authority.

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Recent questions

  • What is the Milgram Shock Study about?

    The Milgram Shock Study, conducted by psychologist Stanley Milgram, aimed to investigate why people obey authority figures to the point of inflicting harm on others.

  • What were participants instructed to do in the study?

    Participants in the study were instructed to administer electric shocks to a learner, increasing in voltage up to 450 volts, despite the shocks being fake and the learner being an actor.

  • What percentage of participants delivered the highest shocks?

    Shockingly, 65% of participants delivered the highest level of shocks, contrary to the predicted 3%, demonstrating the significant level of obedience to authority figures observed in the study.

  • What are some critiques of the Milgram Shock Study?

    Critiques of the study include concerns about the ethics of coercing participants, lack of diversity in the participant pool, and the potential psychological impact on those involved.

  • Why is the Milgram Shock Study considered significant?

    The Milgram Shock Study is considered significant as it sheds light on the powerful influence of authority figures on human behavior, revealing the extent to which individuals may go to obey perceived authority, even at the expense of causing harm to others.

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Summary

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Obedience to Authority: Milgram Shock Study

  • The Milgram Shock Study, conducted by psychologist Stanley Milgram, aimed to understand why people obey authority figures to the extent of committing violent acts against others.
  • Participants in the study were instructed to administer electric shocks to a learner, increasing in voltage up to 450 volts, despite the shocks being fake and the learner being an actor.
  • Shockingly, 65% of participants delivered the highest level of shocks, contrary to the predicted 3%, showcasing the extent of obedience to authority figures.
  • Critiques of the study include concerns about the ethics of coercing participants, lack of diversity in the participant pool, and the potential psychological impact on those involved.
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