The Stanley Milgram experiment, conducted in the early 1960s, remains one of psychology’s most famous and controversial studies. It examined humans’ willingness to obey authority, even when such obedience caused harm to others.
The experiment involved a real participant (the “teacher”) instructed to administer electric shocks to a “learner” or confederate for giving wrong answers. Despite the learner’s pretended pain and pleas to stop, the experimenter urged the teacher to continue.
The results were startling, the majority of participants administered shocks to the maximum level, even though they believed they were causing severe harm. This demonstrated high rates of obedience to authority figures.
Milgram’s study challenged beliefs about human behavior, highlighting the power of authority and the limits of individual autonomy. Despite ethical concerns, the experiment remains influential, shedding light on social influence and herd mentality.
Source: structural-learning.com
Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell
