Milgram (1963) was interested in the contradiction between the ordinariness of men involved in war crimes during WW2, and the terrible deeds they had carried out.
What study did Milgram carry out?
He tested whether people would deliver lethal shocks. There was a 'teacher' (participant) and researcher/confederate in a room, and a 'learner' (confederate) in another room. The teacher was to ask multiple choice questions and if the learner got it wrong they were shocked by the teacher, ranging from 15 to 450 volts.
What were Milgram's results?
65% (two thirds) of participants continued to the highest level of voltage. All participants continued to 300 volts.
What happened before the study?
Milgram asked experts how far they thought people would go: the consensus was that most participants would stop at 150 volts.
What was Milgram's conclusion?
Ordinary people are extremely obedient to authority, even when asked to behave in an inhumane manner.
