A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

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What percentage of participants in Milgram's experiment delivered the maximum shock level (450V)?

The correct answer is: 65%

In Milgram's famous obedience study conducted in the 1960s, a significant finding was the level of compliance participants exhibited when instructed to administer electric shocks to another person. The correct answer indicates that 65% of participants delivered the maximum shock level of 450 volts. This demonstrated a troubling aspect of human behavior: that a majority of individuals, when prompted by an authority figure, will follow orders even to the extent of inflicting harm. The results of the experiment revealed key insights into factors that influence obedience, such as the presence of an authoritative figure, the environment of the study, and the perceived legitimacy of the procedure. This high percentage of participants willing to deliver severe shocks underscores the potential for ordinary people to engage in extreme actions under the influence of authority, raising ethical questions and discussions about free will and moral responsibility. Understanding this percentage is crucial for comprehending the broader implications of Milgram's findings in the fields of social psychology and ethics, particularly relating to conformity and authority in real-world situations.