Introduction
Social psychologists have investigated obedience extensively since it is a complex issue. Milgram, Zimbardo, and Asch’s research provide insight into the critical elements that boost or depress obedience in social contexts.
The Milgram Study
Milgram’s research stands that people are more likely to obey when they believe an authorized person to be trustworthy and powerful. Participants were more inclined to follow when the experimenter offered explicit directions while donning a lab coat. Moreover, obedience was reduced when participants felt unfavorable outcomes for their actions, such as hearing the learner cry in pain.
The Asch Study
In addition, Asch’s study participants were more inclined to choose the incorrect response when the group had chosen the incorrect option unanimously. The study also demonstrated that having a dissenting voice could reduce conformity since individuals were less likely to comply when one ally responded correctly.
The Zimbardo Study
Furthermore, Zimbardo’s research, compliance tends to rise in bigger groups because people are likelier to imitate the group’s conduct. The participants who were given the job of guards in the simulated prison were increasingly violent toward the “prisoners,” which served as another example of how the environment shapes behavior in the study.
Addressing Ethical Issues in Obedience Research
There are various ethical issues that I would need to address if I were a researcher interested in examining these variables. I would first need to make sure that participants were completely aware of the study’s purpose and any potential dangers. Second, I would need to ensure that participants may withdraw from the study at any time and gain their freely given consent. Finally, I must confirm that participants in the study are not subjected to unnecessary bodily or psychological harm. Last but not least, I would need to make sure that the study’s findings are communicated appropriately and do not support false or harmful views.
These factors may have an impact on social welfare by influencing people’s propensity to follow harmful customs or ideologies. For instance, individuals may be more likely to conform to discriminatory practices or beliefs if they perceive the authority figure as legitimate or the group as larger. These variables can also restrict social change by promoting conformity and discouraging individuals from expressing dissenting opinions or challenging established norms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these results raise significant concerns regarding the function of obedience in determining social behavior and emphasize the significance of ethical considerations when conducting research involving human subjects. Even though this research may be controversial, they have offered essential insights into the social factors that affect people’s behavior. Researchers must consider these factors while ensuring our procedures are morally and responsibly sound.
References
Asch, S. E. (1956). Studies of independence and conformity: A minority of one against a unanimous majority. Psychological Monographs: General and Applied, 70(9), 1–70. Web.
Haney, C., Banks, C., & Zimbardo, P. (1973). Interpersonal dynamics in a simulated prison. International Journal of Criminology and Penology, 1, 69–97. Web.
Milgram, S. (1963). Behavioral study of obedience. The Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 67(4), 371–378. Web.