In a famous social psychological experiment, participants were led to believe they were to deliver electric shocks of increasing potency to a "learner" for a memorization task. Participants were encouraged to continue even though the learner was clearly in pain, and most participants, in fact, did continue shocking the learner. What famous study is this describing?
A) Asch line studies
B) Milgram's studies of obedience
C) Shultz's study of injunctive norms
D) Moscovici's studies of minority influence

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is describing Milgram's studies of obedience, in which participants were instructed by an authority figure to continue delivering electric shocks to a "learner" even when it appeared to be causing them great harm. The study is famous for demonstrating the extent to which people are willing to obey authority, even when it conflicts with their own moral beliefs.

In a Famous Social Psychological Experiment, Participants Were Led to Believe