How do the Milgram and Burger results tie in with another theory we’ve discussed in class? You can use any theory you want, but make sure it’s clear (and that you’re ready to talk about it in class).
Cognitive Dissonance Theory: The participants felt what they what they were doing was wrong, but told themselves it was in the name of scientific study that they do what they do it. Self-Perception Theory: “We are more likely to learn about ourselves in new situations,” and the participants did learn by their behavior during the study (Greenburg,2015). They learned the effect authority can have on them. The participants, might have attributed their behavior during the study to them being a sadistic person. But at the end of the study, they were informed they were not sadistic but it was a common psychological effect of authority. …show more content…
Why or why not?
People obey authority. The researcher had a role as an authority figure, “he must know what’s best.” We are programmed to obey authority from an early age and so we follow the social norms set by our culture. I’m not surprised by the results. I know I would have complied. I wouldn’t want to disappoint the researcher, he is an authority figure, which intimidates me.
If you were hired by the military to ensure that we never had another Abu Ghraib case, what would you do?
Well, training is important. If it is partly because of social roles, that is tough, because in the military you are assigned with the role of warrior. Cognitive dissonance is a factor, so teaching compassion? But that wouldn’t necessarily be beneficial if you are a soldier. You are taught to eradicate all compassion towards the enemy, because how would you kill if you felt compassion? In our culture we are, we are taught to view the enemy as the “other” which de-humanizes them. I’m not sure how we could avoid another situation like Abu
Cognitive Dissonance Theory: The participants felt what they what they were doing was wrong, but told themselves it was in the name of scientific study that they do what they do it. Self-Perception Theory: “We are more likely to learn about ourselves in new situations,” and the participants did learn by their behavior during the study (Greenburg,2015). They learned the effect authority can have on them. The participants, might have attributed their behavior during the study to them being a sadistic person. But at the end of the study, they were informed they were not sadistic but it was a common psychological effect of authority. …show more content…
Why or why not?
People obey authority. The researcher had a role as an authority figure, “he must know what’s best.” We are programmed to obey authority from an early age and so we follow the social norms set by our culture. I’m not surprised by the results. I know I would have complied. I wouldn’t want to disappoint the researcher, he is an authority figure, which intimidates me.
If you were hired by the military to ensure that we never had another Abu Ghraib case, what would you do?
Well, training is important. If it is partly because of social roles, that is tough, because in the military you are assigned with the role of warrior. Cognitive dissonance is a factor, so teaching compassion? But that wouldn’t necessarily be beneficial if you are a soldier. You are taught to eradicate all compassion towards the enemy, because how would you kill if you felt compassion? In our culture we are, we are taught to view the enemy as the “other” which de-humanizes them. I’m not sure how we could avoid another situation like Abu