A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

Which concept does the Milgram Experiment primarily investigate?

1. Creativity

2. Personality traits

3. Obedience to authority

4. Cognitive dissonance

The correct answer is: Obedience to authority

The Milgram Experiment primarily investigates obedience to authority, showcasing how individuals are willing to follow commands from an authority figure, even when those commands conflict with their personal morals and ethical standards. Conducted by Stanley Milgram in the early 1960s, this landmark study involved participants being instructed to administer electric shocks to a learner (a confederate) whenever they answered questions incorrectly. The shocking aspect of the study was that many participants continued to administer shocks, despite the apparent distress of the learner, simply because they were told to do so by the experimenter. This experiment revealed significant insights into human behavior, particularly how far people will go to comply with authority, even when their actions cause harm to others. It highlighted the power dynamics between authority figures and individuals, raising important ethical questions about obedience and responsibility in social situations. Understanding this concept is crucial in the broader context of social psychology, as it helps explain various phenomena within hierarchies and authority relationships in society.