Psychologist Stanley Milgram performed his obedience experiment, which would later be repeated, at Yale University in the 1960’s. Milgram’s experiment was based on examining the control that those in authority had over people’s actions, and how far that authority can push a person. Most people listen and obey those put in authority over them. Obedience is defined as “a change in behavior in response to the commands of others”. Although obedience is less common than conformity and compliance in studies, it is is prominent in studies based on obedience to authority. Due to ethical considerations this experiment could not be performed in today’s society.
In the study, an authority figure, would ask an individual to perform tasks that they might not …show more content…
These reactions included things like the learner calling out in pain and asking for them to stop. In most cases, the teacher would ask “What if we hurt them?” or things of similar nature. Each time, the experimenter would assure them that it was okay, remind them to just do as they are told, and say that any blame would be placed on themselves not the teacher. 65% of the individuals who participated in the study used the highest setting (450 volts) to shock the learner. The highest voltage was reached even as the learner screamed and begged them to stop and to be let go. This experiment has been repeated and criticized countless times over the years. In some ways, it can be viewed as an unethical experiment for many reasons. While, like all other experiments, it has its flaws Milgram’s study can give us an insight on how people think and live their lives. This research project raised question about the ethics of of the scientific field, due the extreme emotional stress placed on the participants. Milgram argued that the question were raised due the somewhat horrifying and unwanted truths of human
In the study, an authority figure, would ask an individual to perform tasks that they might not …show more content…
These reactions included things like the learner calling out in pain and asking for them to stop. In most cases, the teacher would ask “What if we hurt them?” or things of similar nature. Each time, the experimenter would assure them that it was okay, remind them to just do as they are told, and say that any blame would be placed on themselves not the teacher. 65% of the individuals who participated in the study used the highest setting (450 volts) to shock the learner. The highest voltage was reached even as the learner screamed and begged them to stop and to be let go. This experiment has been repeated and criticized countless times over the years. In some ways, it can be viewed as an unethical experiment for many reasons. While, like all other experiments, it has its flaws Milgram’s study can give us an insight on how people think and live their lives. This research project raised question about the ethics of of the scientific field, due the extreme emotional stress placed on the participants. Milgram argued that the question were raised due the somewhat horrifying and unwanted truths of human