Question

Beginning in 1960, Stanley Milgram conducted a series of experiments on human beings which led to heated debates. His experiment explored the extent to which people would obey a figure of authority. The experiment included the learner, teacher and the experimenter. The experiment involved a series of manipulations in a specific setting. (Source (edited): www.nytimes.com)

1. Briefly discuss the role of the confederate in this experiment.  [2]
2. Based on the experiment described above, explore any two reasons for obedience to a legitimate figure of authority.  [2]

Answer 1

(i) In Stanley Milgram’s obedience experiment, the confederate was an actor pretending to be a participant (learner II). The real participant was always assigned the position of “teacher II.” The teacher felt they were delivering electric shocks to the learner for each incorrect response in a memory test.

The confederate acted as if he was in pain, following a programmed response to each level of shock, while not actually receiving any.

The confederate played a vital part in generating the illusion of damage. The exam measured participants’ willingness to obey authority, even if it meant causing harm to others.

(ii) Two Reasons to Obey a Legitimate Figure.

1. Perceived Legitimacy of Authority:
   • Proper identification and explanation.
   • Effective use of context by referencing lab coat and Yale affiliation.
   • There is a clear connection between authority and obedience.
2. Diffusion of Responsibility:
   • An accurate psychological explanation.
   • Clearly described how participants justified their behavior.