Milgram Obedience Experiment
Step into the role of a teacher in a classic obedience study. Explore how ordinary people respond when an authority figure asks them to continue.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What was the Milgram experiment?
In 1961-1963, psychologist Stanley Milgram tested how far ordinary people would go when an authority figure instructed them to deliver increasingly painful electric shocks to another person. Surprisingly, 65% of participants continued to the maximum 450V shock.
Why did people obey in the Milgram study?
Several factors contributed: the legitimacy of the authority figure (a Yale scientist in a lab coat), gradual escalation (only 15V increases), the foot-in-the-door effect, and the agentic state — people transferred responsibility to the authority figure.
Is this simulation based on the real experiment?
Yes, this is an educational simulation based on the original study design and results. No actual shocks are delivered here — your choices simply let you explore the psychology of obedience in a safe way.
What ethical concerns did the study raise?
Participants experienced extreme stress and were deceived about the true purpose of the study. The experiment led to major reforms in research ethics, including stronger informed consent requirements, the right to withdraw, and mandatory debriefing.
Show Details
What was the Milgram experiment?
In 1961-1963, Stanley Milgram measured how far ordinary people would go when instructed to deliver increasingly painful electric shocks to a learner. Surprisingly, 65% continued to the maximum 450V. The study revealed the powerful pull of authority and the importance of situational factors.
References
- Milgram, S. (1963). Behavioral study of obedience. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 67(4), 371-378. 10.1037/h0040525
- Milgram, S. (1974). Obedience to authority: An experimental view. Harper & Row.
- Burger, J. M. (2009). Replicating Milgram: Would people still obey today? American Psychologist, 64(1), 1-11. 10.1037/a0010932
- Perry, G. (2013). Behind the shock machine: The untold story of the notorious Milgram psychology experiments. The New Press.
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About This Experiment
This experiment is an educational adaptation for demonstration purposes. It is not a clinical diagnostic tool. Results reflect your performance in this specific session and should not be interpreted as an assessment of your cognitive abilities.
Data Privacy
Your experiment data is processed and stored locally in your browser. No data is uploaded to any server unless you explicitly export it.
