Milgram Experiment

Definition

The Milgram Experiment was a series of psychological experiments conducted by Stanley Milgram in the early 1960s, designed to measure the willingness of participants to obey authority figures, even when such obedience could result in harming others. This experiment raised important ethical questions about informed consent and the psychological impact on participants, connecting deeply with issues of privacy and ethics in historical storytelling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Milgram Experiment involved participants being instructed to administer electric shocks to a 'learner' for incorrect answers, testing their obedience to authority despite the apparent harm inflicted.
2. Approximately 65% of participants continued to administer shocks up to the maximum voltage, demonstrating a high level of obedience to perceived authority figures.
3. The experiment was controversial for its ethical implications, raising questions about the emotional and psychological effects on participants who believed they were harming others.
4. Milgram's findings highlighted the conflict between personal conscience and social pressure, contributing significantly to discussions on morality and ethics in psychological research.
5. The study sparked ongoing debates about the balance between scientific inquiry and the ethical treatment of individuals involved in research, influencing later regulations on informed consent.

Review Questions

• How did the Milgram Experiment illustrate the conflict between obedience to authority and personal morality?
  • The Milgram Experiment showcased this conflict by placing participants in a situation where they had to choose between following orders from an authority figure and their own moral compass. Many participants initially hesitated at administering shocks but ultimately complied with the instructions given by the experimenter, even as they heard distress from the learner. This demonstrated how powerful authority can influence individuals to act against their ethical beliefs.
• Discuss the ethical implications of using deception in the Milgram Experiment and how it relates to informed consent.
  • The use of deception in the Milgram Experiment raises significant ethical concerns, particularly regarding informed consent. Participants were not fully aware of the nature of the study or its true purpose, which compromised their ability to make an informed choice about participation. This has led to stricter ethical guidelines in research practices to ensure that participants are adequately informed and protected from potential harm.
• Evaluate how the Milgram Experiment has influenced contemporary research ethics and practices regarding participant privacy and consent.
  • The Milgram Experiment has had a profound impact on contemporary research ethics by highlighting the necessity for clear guidelines on participant privacy and informed consent. As a result of its findings and ethical controversies, researchers now face stricter regulations that mandate transparency with participants about study procedures. This evolution reflects an increased commitment to protecting individuals in research settings, ensuring they are fully aware of any potential risks involved.

Related terms

Informed Consent: A process in which researchers provide potential participants with all relevant information about a study, allowing them to make an educated decision about their involvement.

Deception in Research: The practice of misleading or withholding information from participants regarding the true purpose or nature of a study, often used to prevent bias.

Ethical Guidelines: Set principles designed to protect the rights and welfare of research participants, ensuring studies are conducted responsibly and ethically.