They were assigned the role of "teacher" and instructed to deliver electric shocks to a "learner" (a confederate) when they made mistakes.
Social Approach
Psychology Notes
A Level/AS Level/O Level
Social Approach
The Power of the Situation: A Social Psychology Perspective
Social psychology explores how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the people around us. It's about understanding why we act the way we do in social situations – from the small stuff like choosing what to wear to the big stuff like making life-changing decisions.
1. Social Psychology: Understanding Human Behavior
Social psychology explores how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the people around us. It's about understanding why we act the way we do in social situations – from the small stuff like choosing what to wear to the big stuff like making life-changing decisions.
2. The Milgram Experiment: A Shocking Study of Obedience
One of the most famous studies in social psychology is the Milgram Experiment. This experiment, conducted in the 1960s, aimed to understand the extent to which people would obey authority figures, even if it meant harming others.
The Setup:
Participants were assigned the role of "teacher" and instructed to deliver electric shocks to a "learner" (who was actually an actor) when they made mistakes. The shocks increased in intensity with each wrong answer, and the learner's screams grew more dramatic.
The Results:
Shockingly, over 60% of participants continued to deliver shocks even when the learner screamed in pain and eventually fell silent. This experiment highlighted the powerful influence of authority figures and the tendency for people to obey even when their morals are challenged.
3. Why Did People Obey?
Several factors contributed to the high level of obedience in the Milgram Experiment:
Authority Figure:
The presence of a researcher in a lab coat, emphasizing the importance of the experiment, made participants more likely to follow instructions.
Gradual Escalation:
The shocks increased slowly, making it harder for participants to draw the line and stop.
Diffusion of Responsibility:
Participants felt less responsible for their actions because they were only following instructions from the researcher.
4. The Real-World Implications
The Milgram Experiment has significant real-world implications. It reminds us that even good people can be influenced to do bad things, especially when guided by authority. It helps us understand:
The Dangers of Blind Obedience:
We shouldn't blindly follow orders, especially if they seem unethical or harmful.
The Importance of Moral Compass:
We need to develop a strong sense of right and wrong and be willing to stand up for our beliefs, even when pressured by others.
The Power of the Situation:
Our actions are shaped by the social context we find ourselves in. We need to be aware of the potential influence of authority figures and other situational factors.
5. Remember:
The Milgram experiment, while controversial, serves as a powerful reminder of the complex interplay between individual behavior and social situations. By understanding these dynamics, we can navigate the world with more awareness and make responsible choices.
Bonus Notes
Ethical Implications & Lessons Learned (Question 1)
The Milgram experiment raised serious ethical concerns due to the potential for psychological harm to participants. The deception involved, the stressful nature of the experiment, and the lack of informed consent were major issues. This led to the development of stricter ethical guidelines for psychological research, emphasizing participant protection and informed consent.
Obedience to Authority (Question 2)
The Milgram experiment highlights the powerful influence of authority figures. Participants were willing to inflict harm because they felt obligated to obey the experimenter, who represented authority. Factors influencing obedience include:
⭐Legitimacy of Authority: The experimenter's perceived authority increased obedience.
⭐Proximity to Victim: Participants were less likely to harm when they saw the victim's suffering.
⭐Group Pressure: The presence of other participants who obeyed made it easier for individuals to follow suit.
Theoretical Explanations (Question 3)
⭐Social Identity Theory: Participants identified with the experimenter's group, shifting their loyalty and obedience towards the authority figure.
⭐Agentic State Paradigm: Participants perceived themselves as agents of the experimenter, relinquishing personal responsibility and carrying out orders.
Both theories offer valuable insights, highlighting the role of group affiliation and relinquishing individual responsibility in explaining the results.
Methodological Shortcomings (Question 4)
The Milgram experiment's findings are subject to criticism:
⭐Sampling Bias: Participants were all male, limiting generalizability.
⭐Artificial Setting: The laboratory environment may not accurately reflect real-world situations.
⭐Demand Characteristics: Participants may have acted in ways they believed the experimenter wanted them to.
These limitations question the generalizability of the findings to real-world situations.
Impact on Understanding Human Nature (Question 5)
The Milgram experiment shocked the world, revealing the potential for ordinary people to inflict harm under the influence of authority. This challenged the belief that only inherently evil people commit atrocities and underscored the importance of understanding social and situational factors influencing behavior. The experiment serves as a cautionary tale, urging awareness of the dangers of blind obedience and the need for critical thinking and personal responsibility.