Introduction
Obedience refers to the act of following orders or directives from an authority figure. In social psychology, obedience is a significant area of study, especially considering how authority influences behavior. Experimental studies on obedience aim to understand the psychological mechanisms behind why people comply with orders, even when they conflict with personal morals. Several landmark experiments have shaped our understanding of obedience in various social contexts.
1. Stanley Milgram’s Obedience Study (1963)
Overview
This is the most famous and influential study on obedience. Milgram conducted the study at Yale University to examine how far individuals would go in obeying authority, even when it meant harming another person.
Procedure
- Participants were instructed to act as “teachers” and administer electric shocks to a “learner” (an actor) for every incorrect answer.
- Shock levels ranged from 15 to 450 volts.
- As the voltage increased, the learner protested, screamed, or fell silent. The authority (experimenter) urged the teacher to continue.
Findings
- 65% of participants administered the maximum voltage, despite believing they were causing serious harm.
Implications
- The study demonstrated the power of authority in compelling obedience, even against moral judgment.
- It sparked debates about ethics in psychological research.
2. Hofling Hospital Experiment (1966)
In a real-world setting, nurses received a phone call from a “doctor” instructing them to administer a dangerous dose of a fictional drug to a patient.
- Despite hospital policies and ethical concerns, 21 out of 22 nurses complied with the order.
This study showed that obedience to perceived authority extends to professional environments, not just laboratories.
3. The Stanford Prison Experiment (Zimbardo, 1971)
Though primarily a study of role conformity and power, it also demonstrates obedience to situational authority. College students were randomly assigned as guards or prisoners in a simulated prison environment.
- The guards became abusive, and the prisoners became submissive. The study had to be terminated after 6 days.
The study illustrated how ordinary people obey roles and rules in institutional settings, sometimes leading to dehumanizing behavior.
4. Replications and Modern Variations
- Burger (2009): Replicated Milgram’s experiment with ethical improvements. Found similar obedience levels (around 70%) even decades later.
- Virtual Simulations: Modern studies use computer-generated characters to simulate obedience scenarios, reducing ethical concerns while still yielding valid data.
5. Factors Influencing Obedience (Observed Across Studies)
- Proximity of Authority: Closer authority figures increase obedience.
- Legitimacy of Authority: Uniforms, institutional setting, or perceived expertise enhance compliance.
- Depersonalization of Victim: Less visibility or interaction reduces empathy and increases obedience.
- Lack of Personal Responsibility: Authority figures take responsibility, making participants feel less accountable.
Conclusion
Experimental studies on human obedience reveal the powerful influence of authority on human behavior. From Milgram’s electric shocks to real-life applications in hospitals and prisons, these studies emphasize that under certain conditions, ordinary individuals can perform extraordinary acts—both good and bad—when instructed by authority. Such insights have shaped ethical policies and awareness around authority in education, healthcare, military, and law enforcement.