Photo AI
Analyse Milgram’s (1963) study of obedience. - Scottish Highers Psychology - Question c - 2023
Question c
Analyse Milgram’s (1963) study of obedience.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Analyse Milgram’s (1963) study of obedience. - Scottish Highers Psychology - Question c - 2023
Step 1
Description of Milgram's Study
Answer
Milgram's study involved participants being instructed to administer electric shocks to a learner (an actor) whenever they answered questions incorrectly. The shocks were not real, but the participants were led to believe they were. The study aimed to investigate the extent to which individuals would obey authority figures, even when asked to perform actions that conflicted with their personal morals. The experimental setup was characterized by a clear authority figure (the experimenter) instructing the participant, leading to surprising results where a high percentage of participants continued to administer shocks despite hearing the learner's protests.
Step 2
Evaluation of Milgram's Study
Answer
It can be concluded that situational factors significantly influence obedience levels. Alarmingly, many participants displayed a willingness to follow orders, suggesting that even ordinary individuals could act against their ethical beliefs under pressure from authority. However, the study has been critiqued for its ethical implications, including the psychological stress inflicted on participants. Moreover, concerns about the ecological validity of the findings arise, as the scenarios created in a controlled lab setting may not reflect real-world dynamics of obedience. Furthermore, alternative studies, like Burger's (2009), re-examine Milgram's findings and contribute to our understanding of obedience within different contexts.