Milgram Study Ethics In Psychology

Sample Solution

    The Milgram experiment is a series of social psychology experiments conducted by Yale University psychologist Stanley Milgram between 1961 and 1963. They measured the willingness of study participants to obey an authority figure who instructed them to perform acts that conflicted with their conscience. Participants were led to believe that they were participating in a study of memory and learning, in which they were to administer electric shocks to another person. The shocks were actually fake, but the participants did not know this.

Full Answer Section

    The experiment was controversial because it involved deceiving and causing distress to participants. Some people believe that the study was unethical, while others believe that it was necessary to understand obedience and authority. There are several ethical concerns about the Milgram experiment. First, the participants were deceived about the true nature of the experiment. They were told that they were participating in a study of memory and learning, when in reality they were being asked to administer electric shocks to another person. This deception could have caused the participants psychological distress, as they may have felt guilty or responsible for the harm they were causing. Second, the participants were pressured to continue administering the shocks, even when they expressed discomfort or wanted to stop. The experimenter told the participants that they had to continue, even if they felt uncomfortable. This pressure could have been coercive and could have made the participants feel like they had no choice but to continue. Third, the experiment did not adequately protect the participants from psychological harm. The participants were not debriefed about the true nature of the experiment until after it was over. This could have led to the participants feeling confused, angry, or traumatized. Despite the ethical concerns, some people believe that the Milgram experiment was justified. They argue that the study was important because it revealed the power of authority and the willingness of people to obey even when they are asked to do something harmful. The study also helped to shed light on the psychology of obedience and the factors that influence people's willingness to obey authority figures. Ultimately, whether or not the Milgram experiment was justified is a matter of opinion. There are strong arguments to be made on both sides of the issue. However, it is important to note that the experiment would not be able to be conducted today due to ethical concerns. In my opinion, the ethical concerns about the Milgram experiment outweigh the benefits of the study. The deception and pressure that the participants were subjected to could have caused them significant psychological harm. Additionally, the study did not adequately protect the participants from harm. While the study did reveal some important insights into the psychology of obedience, I believe that these insights could have been gained through other, less ethically questionable methods. I believe that it is important to conduct research that can help us to understand human behavior. However, it is also important to conduct research in an ethical manner that protects the participants from harm. In the case of the Milgram experiment, I believe that the ethical concerns outweigh the benefits of the study