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Milgram Obedience Study Summary: Hypothesis, Procedure, Results, and Ethical Issues

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0

user profile picture

Gracie

7/25/2025

Psychology

Milgram’s original experiment (1963) AO1 AO3

320

Jul 25, 2025

2 pages

Milgram Obedience Study Summary: Hypothesis, Procedure, Results, and Ethical Issues

user profile picture

Gracie

@graciecauliflower

The Milgram obedience studywas a groundbreaking experiment that investigated... Show more

"
predicted that 10%.'
would obey fully -
All (1001.)
went up to
300✓
Srefused
at 300v
ppt goes up to
450v deemed
obedient. Told
to just car

Evaluation of Milgram's Obedience Study

The Milgram study evaluation reveals both strengths and weaknesses of this influential research. Understanding these aspects is crucial for A level Psychology students analyzing the experiment's impact and limitations.

Strengths of Milgram's study:

  1. High validity: The laboratory setting allowed for strict control of variables, ensuring each participant had a similar experience.
  2. High reliability: The standardized procedure, including identical recordings and voltage options, allows for potential replication.
  3. Real-world applications: The study provides insights into increasing or decreasing obedience in various contexts.

Highlight: The findings can be applied to prevent future tragedies by better understanding blind obedience mechanisms.

Weaknesses of Milgram's study:

  1. Ethical concerns: The experiment involved deception, potential psychological harm, and difficulty withdrawing.

Vocabulary: Informed consent - agreement to participate in a study after being fully informed about its nature and potential risks.

  1. Limited generalizability: The original study used a sample of 40 American males aged 20-50, mostly from middle-class backgrounds.
  2. Low ecological validity: The artificial laboratory setting may not accurately reflect real-world obedience scenarios.

Example: The British Psychological Society's code of ethics now prohibits deception and requires informed consent, which would make exact replication of Milgram's study impossible.

Milgram experiment ethical issues remain a topic of debate. While the study provided valuable insights, it raised questions about the psychological impact on participants and the use of deception in research.

Quote: "In order to keep the experiment valid, Milgram had to break ethical codes whichwerentsetupyetwhich weren't set up yet. Benefit > Risk."

The Milgram application to real life extends beyond understanding historical events. It informs strategies for increasing ethical behavior in various settings, from corporate environments to military contexts.

Highlight: Understanding obedience mechanisms can help design interventions to prevent harmful compliance in real-world situations.

In conclusion, while the Milgram experiment has faced criticism for its ethical implications, its profound impact on our understanding of human behavior and obedience to authority remains undeniable. The study continues to be a cornerstone in psychology education and research on social influence.

"
predicted that 10%.'
would obey fully -
All (1001.)
went up to
300✓
Srefused
at 300v
ppt goes up to
450v deemed
obedient. Told
to just car

Milgram Experiment Procedure and Results

The Milgram experiment procedure involved participants taking on the role of a "teacher" administering electric shocks to a "learner" for incorrect answers. The shocks increased in voltage with each wrong answer, up to a dangerous 450 volts.

Highlight: 26 out of 40 participants 6565% obeyed fully by administering the maximum 450-volt shock.

Key aspects of the procedure included:

  • Participants met the "learner" actuallyaconfederateactually a confederate beforehand
  • The shock generator had switches labeled from 15 to 450 volts
  • When participants hesitated, the experimenter used standardized verbal prompts
  • At 300 volts, the learner banged on the wall and stopped responding

Example: Prompts used by the experimenter included "Please continue" and "The experiment requires that you continue."

The Milgram experiment results revealed:

  • Most participants exhibited signs of extreme stress sweating,trembling,nervouslaughtersweating, trembling, nervous laughter
  • Participants completed a questionnaire afterward rating their distress levels
  • The study aimed to investigate if Germans were uniquely prone to blind obedience

Definition: Obedience in this context refers to following orders from an authority figure, even when those orders conflict with personal moral beliefs.

Milgram's experiment conclusion challenged prevailing notions about evil acts:

  1. Ordinary people can commit harmful acts under pressure from authority
  2. Obedience to authority is a powerful influencer of behavior
  3. Situational factors play a significant role in determining obedience levels

Quote: Milgram stated, "Ordinary people, simply doing their jobs, and without any particular hostility on their part, can become agents in a terrible destructive process."



We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

You have the choice, we offer a 100% secure payment via PayPal or an Amazon gift card. There is no limit to how much you can earn.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

 

Psychology

320

Jul 25, 2025

2 pages

Milgram Obedience Study Summary: Hypothesis, Procedure, Results, and Ethical Issues

user profile picture

Gracie

@graciecauliflower

The Milgram obedience study was a groundbreaking experiment that investigated how far people would go in obeying an authority figure's instructions to harm another person. This influential study revealed surprising insights about human behavior and obedience to authority.

  • 65% of... Show more

"
predicted that 10%.'
would obey fully -
All (1001.)
went up to
300✓
Srefused
at 300v
ppt goes up to
450v deemed
obedient. Told
to just car

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Evaluation of Milgram's Obedience Study

The Milgram study evaluation reveals both strengths and weaknesses of this influential research. Understanding these aspects is crucial for A level Psychology students analyzing the experiment's impact and limitations.

Strengths of Milgram's study:

  1. High validity: The laboratory setting allowed for strict control of variables, ensuring each participant had a similar experience.
  2. High reliability: The standardized procedure, including identical recordings and voltage options, allows for potential replication.
  3. Real-world applications: The study provides insights into increasing or decreasing obedience in various contexts.

Highlight: The findings can be applied to prevent future tragedies by better understanding blind obedience mechanisms.

Weaknesses of Milgram's study:

  1. Ethical concerns: The experiment involved deception, potential psychological harm, and difficulty withdrawing.

Vocabulary: Informed consent - agreement to participate in a study after being fully informed about its nature and potential risks.

  1. Limited generalizability: The original study used a sample of 40 American males aged 20-50, mostly from middle-class backgrounds.
  2. Low ecological validity: The artificial laboratory setting may not accurately reflect real-world obedience scenarios.

Example: The British Psychological Society's code of ethics now prohibits deception and requires informed consent, which would make exact replication of Milgram's study impossible.

Milgram experiment ethical issues remain a topic of debate. While the study provided valuable insights, it raised questions about the psychological impact on participants and the use of deception in research.

Quote: "In order to keep the experiment valid, Milgram had to break ethical codes whichwerentsetupyetwhich weren't set up yet. Benefit > Risk."

The Milgram application to real life extends beyond understanding historical events. It informs strategies for increasing ethical behavior in various settings, from corporate environments to military contexts.

Highlight: Understanding obedience mechanisms can help design interventions to prevent harmful compliance in real-world situations.

In conclusion, while the Milgram experiment has faced criticism for its ethical implications, its profound impact on our understanding of human behavior and obedience to authority remains undeniable. The study continues to be a cornerstone in psychology education and research on social influence.

"
predicted that 10%.'
would obey fully -
All (1001.)
went up to
300✓
Srefused
at 300v
ppt goes up to
450v deemed
obedient. Told
to just car

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Milgram Experiment Procedure and Results

The Milgram experiment procedure involved participants taking on the role of a "teacher" administering electric shocks to a "learner" for incorrect answers. The shocks increased in voltage with each wrong answer, up to a dangerous 450 volts.

Highlight: 26 out of 40 participants 6565% obeyed fully by administering the maximum 450-volt shock.

Key aspects of the procedure included:

  • Participants met the "learner" actuallyaconfederateactually a confederate beforehand
  • The shock generator had switches labeled from 15 to 450 volts
  • When participants hesitated, the experimenter used standardized verbal prompts
  • At 300 volts, the learner banged on the wall and stopped responding

Example: Prompts used by the experimenter included "Please continue" and "The experiment requires that you continue."

The Milgram experiment results revealed:

  • Most participants exhibited signs of extreme stress sweating,trembling,nervouslaughtersweating, trembling, nervous laughter
  • Participants completed a questionnaire afterward rating their distress levels
  • The study aimed to investigate if Germans were uniquely prone to blind obedience

Definition: Obedience in this context refers to following orders from an authority figure, even when those orders conflict with personal moral beliefs.

Milgram's experiment conclusion challenged prevailing notions about evil acts:

  1. Ordinary people can commit harmful acts under pressure from authority
  2. Obedience to authority is a powerful influencer of behavior
  3. Situational factors play a significant role in determining obedience levels

Quote: Milgram stated, "Ordinary people, simply doing their jobs, and without any particular hostility on their part, can become agents in a terrible destructive process."

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

You have the choice, we offer a 100% secure payment via PayPal or an Amazon gift card. There is no limit to how much you can earn.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user