Milgram Experiment

Definition   

The Milgram Experiment was a psychological study conducted by Stanley Milgram in 1963 to explore how ordinary people respond to authority figures when instructed to perform harmful actions. In the experiment, participants were told they were testing memory and learning but were actually asked to deliver electric shocks to another person (a confederate of the experimenter) who gave incorrect answers. The shocks were fake, but participants believed them to be real. The study revealed that a significant number of people obeyed authority figures even when it conflicted with their personal ethics or caused harm.

Example   

Imagine you are in a classroom setting where a teacher instructs you to administer increasingly painful "punishments" (like loud noises) to another student every time they answer a question incorrectly. Even though the punishments seem harsh and you feel uncomfortable, you continue because the teacher insists it's necessary for the experiment. This scenario reflects the dynamics of the Milgram Experiment, where participants were influenced by authority figures to act against their better judgment.

Why It Matters   

The Milgram Experiment matters because it highlights the profound influence authority can have on human behavior. The results showed that people are often willing to obey instructions from those in positions of power, even when it goes against their moral values or causes harm. This finding has important implications for understanding obedience, conformity, and ethical decision-making in society. It also raises questions about how individuals can resist harmful orders and the need for ethical guidelines in both research and everyday life.