Home›Psychology›Social Psychology›What is Milgram Experiment?
◉ Psychology·2 min·Updated Mar 13, 2026

What is Milgram Experiment?

Milgram Experiment

Quick Answer

The Milgram Experiment is a psychological study that explores how far people will go in obeying authority figures, even when asked to perform actions that conflict with their personal conscience. Conducted by Stanley Milgram in the 1960s, it revealed the surprising extent to which individuals are willing to follow orders, even if it means harming others.

Overview

The Milgram Experiment was designed to investigate the willingness of participants to obey an authority figure, even when their orders conflicted with personal morals. In the study, participants were instructed to administer electric shocks to another person, who they believed was a fellow participant, whenever that person answered questions incorrectly. The shocks were not real, but the participants thought they were inflicting pain, and many continued to do so despite hearing simulated screams of agony from the other person. This experiment is significant because it highlights how authority can influence human behavior. Many participants continued to administer shocks even when they were uncomfortable with it, demonstrating that people often prioritize obedience over their own ethical standards. A real-world example of this can be seen in various historical events where individuals followed orders that led to harmful consequences, such as during wartime. In the context of social psychology, the Milgram Experiment sheds light on the dynamics of power, obedience, and moral conflict. It raises important questions about personal responsibility and the extent to which individuals will go to conform to authority. Understanding these dynamics helps explain behaviors in various social settings, including workplaces, schools, and even in everyday life.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main finding was that a significant number of participants were willing to administer what they believed were painful electric shocks to another person when instructed by an authority figure. This demonstrated that people often obey authority even when it conflicts with their morals.
The experiment had a profound impact on psychology by providing insights into human behavior and obedience. It challenged previous assumptions about morality and highlighted the influence of authority on decision-making.
Yes, some criticisms focus on the ethical implications of deceiving participants and the psychological stress it caused. Others argue that the laboratory setting may not accurately reflect real-world situations, questioning the generalizability of the findings.