A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

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What was the primary aim of Milgram's experiment?

To study the effects of punishment on memory
To understand the nature of destructive obedience
To investigate the role of authority in morality
To explore empathy in social situations

The correct answer is: To understand the nature of destructive obedience

The primary aim of Milgram's experiment was to understand the nature of destructive obedience. This groundbreaking study aimed to investigate how ordinary people could commit acts that were considered morally reprehensible, simply by following orders from an authority figure. Milgram was particularly interested in the potential for individuals to act against their personal conscience when instructed to do something harmful, especially in the context of the Holocaust and the actions taken by individuals under Nazi orders. By setting up the experiment where participants believed they were administering increasingly severe electric shocks to another person, Milgram was able to observe how many participants would follow these orders despite their discomfort and the apparent suffering of the victim. The study shed light on the psychological mechanisms behind obedience to authority and highlighted the importance of situational factors in determining human behavior, particularly in contexts that involve ethical dilemmas.