The Stanley Milgram experiment was a 1960s study to see how people would react to authority figures telling them to do something that contradicted their moral beliefs. Milgram wanted to know why people did bad things even when they knew they were wrong.
Participants in the experiment were told they were taking part in a memory and learning study. Every time the actor made a mistake on a memory test, they were instructed to deliver electric shocks to another person (who was actually an actor). The shocks began mild and gradually became stronger.
As the shocks became stronger, the actor would scream and yell in pain, but the authority figure conducting the study would tell the participant to keep going. Some participants questioned whether they should continue, but the majority did as they were told and continued to deliver the shocks.
The experiment demonstrated that people are willing to do terrible things when they believe they obey someone in authority. Milgram's findings were divisive and sparked much debate in the scientific community.
The experiment by Milgram raised serious ethical concerns about using human subjects in research. It also emphasized the power of authority figures, as well as the importance of challenging authority and standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult.
Overall, the Stanley Milgram experiment is a significant part of psychology history and is still studied today better to understand human behavior and the effects of authority.
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