Stanley Milgram’s obedience study was a series of experiments that tested how far people would go to obey authority figures. The experiments took place in the 1960s.
What was the study about?
Participants were deceived into thinking they were shocking learners for giving wrong answers.
Most participants continued to shock, even though the learners were screaming and pleading.
What did the study find?
Most people will submit to authority, even if it means doing something morally wrong.
People obey authority out of fear or a desire to appear cooperative.
People are more likely to obey authority if they perceive the authority figure as qualified to give orders.
People are more likely to obey authority if they feel they can blame the authority figure for any negative outcomes.
What were the effects of the study?
The study caused controversy, with some accusing Milgram of abusing his subjects.
The study inspired a large body of literature, much of which is polemical and contradictory.
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