Milgram experiment: in the executioners of lack will not be

Fifty years ago, the American scientist Milgram conducted an experiment that plunged the scientific world into shock. His result was discouraged and the initiator himself. Studies, subsequently called the "Milgram experiment," are still discussed. So stunning was the result.

Social psychology is a branch of psychology that studies human behavior and mental phenomena that arise in the process of interaction and communication between people in different groups - organized and spontaneous. This science appeared in 1908, when two psychologists published their books. William McDougall wrote "Introduction to Social Psychology," and Edward Ross called his work simply "Social Psychology."

The experiment did not go according to plan

At that time, Milgram was working on the topic of the guilt of the German people in fascism. By his research the psychologist wanted to demonstrate to the inhabitants of Germany the difference between the democratic people (America) and the Germans, as an undemocratic nation. He was sure that a person who grew up in a democratic society and professes his values can not be forced to commit violence against another person. Milgram's experiment was planned to be conducted in two stages - in the US and in Germany. But literally after the first experience with the Americans, it took a series of additional ones. After that, the need for a trip to the "undemocratic" Germans fell away.

Milgram experiment: our underside

In studies, groups of people for 3 people - "teacher", "experimenter" and "pupil", took part. And the only experimental person was a "teacher", and he did not even know about it. The rest are good actors. All subject "teachers" - healthy and physically, and mentally middle class. None of them was involved in law enforcement and was not observed by psychiatrists.

The testimony was explained that the purpose of the experiment was to study how pain affects memory. Tied to the chair with electrodes, the "student" should learn words from a long list, the "teacher" checked and, if there were errors, punished with a discharge of current. The "experimenter" observed and directed the actions of the subject. With each wrong answer, the student allegedly received an electric discharge of 15 V more than the previous one. The experiment began with a mark of 45 V, the upper limit - 450 V - was designated as deadly. At around 150 V, the "pupil" asked to stop the experiment, and the "experimenter" insisted on continuing. The actor, allegedly beaten with an electric shock, portrayed the pain very realistically, begged to release him and complained of a sick heart. Seeing the fluctuations of the "teacher", the "experimenter" assured that he took all responsibility, and he did it without threats and promises of rewards.

Forecasts and results

Prior to the experiment, Milgram interviewed four dozen colleagues. And all as one were sure that only one person out of 1000 will reach the death mark. And most Americans will not succumb to pressure. The same thought was shared by the experimenter himself. But after the first test run in Connecticut, the psychologist had to say that because of such a huge amount of obedience, he no longer sees any sense in conducting the second stage of research in Germany.

Out of 40 subjects (from 20 to 50 years old) to the highest mark reached 26 people. 65% of potential executioners - this was not expected by anyone. Milgram's experiment was repeated several times over several years. But two-thirds of the "teachers" still obeyed the instructions of the "experimenters" and reached the deadly 450 V. Milgram's verdict to the Americans was terrible. He noted that if there were concentration camps in America like Nazi ones, then they would be provided with workers completely.