Milgram's Obedience Experiment

• (1) Aim: Milgram wanted to investigate if ordinary American citizens would obey an unjust order from an authority figure. The experiment took place at the prestigious Yale University.
• (2) Sample: 40 white, males aged 20-50 years from New Haven, USA who volunteered for the experiment.
• (3) Method: The participants were assigned the role of teacher and were instructed to administer electric shocks to a learner. The learner was not actually strapped to the electric chair and gave predetermined answers to questions.
• (4) Each participant was paid to take part. The shocks increased in 15 voltage increments to a maximum of 450 volts. Participants were asked to shock every incorrect answer. If they hesitated they were given verbal prods from the experimenter.
• (5) Results: 100% of all participants went to 300 volts. 65% of participants continued administering shocks until the maximum voltage of 450 volts.
• (6) Milgram concluded that under the right circumstances, ordinary people will obey unjust orders, even if it means harming another person. This shows the power of legitimate authority.