The Milgram Experiment Flashcard

Front

What was the central idea of the Milgram experiment?

Back

People will likely follow orders, even harmful ones, when instructed by an accepted authority figure.

Front

What are is a result founded in the study?

Back

The results are founded in recognizing and obeying authority, a behavior that is frequently learned while growing up.

Front

How does the section entitled 'Milgram's Agency Theory' contribute to the author's explanation of obedience?

Back

It supports the idea that people will obey an authority when they believe that the authority will take responsibility for the consequences of their actions.

Front

How far were most people willing to go to obey authority?

Back

Two-thirds of the participants continued to the highest level of 450 volts.

Front

Are 'ordinary' people more likely than not to follow an authority figure?

Back

Yes, because obedience to authority is ingrained in people from a young age.

Front

A study like this would NOT be allowed today due to updated ethics standards.

Back

False

Front

With the findings of Milgram's study, how might horrible acts committed by 'good people' be prevented from happening again? Options: By implementing harsher punishments for those who obey harmful orders. By increasing surveillance and monitoring of individuals' behavior. By promoting critical thinking and encouraging people to question authority. By enforcing stricter laws and regulations to limit the power of authority figures.

Back

By promoting critical thinking and encouraging people to question authority.

Front

What does the Milgram experiment reveal about the role of personal conscience in decision-making?

Back

Personal conscience can be suppressed when individuals are under the influence of an authority figure.

Front

What is the significance of the Milgram experiment in understanding human behavior?

Back

It demonstrates that people are more likely to follow orders, even harmful ones, when instructed by an accepted authority figure.

Front

How does the Milgram experiment explain the concept of 'obedience to authority'?

Back

It suggests that obedience to authority is a learned behavior from childhood.