The Milgram experiment

Saturday, December 20th, 2008

Saw this years ago but the Times reminded me today. I do love that newspaper.

Back in 1961, Stanley Milgram, a researcher conducted an experiment in the way people could follow orders even when they knew they were inflicting serious harm on others. Basically, an actor was set up in a separate room and was to play the role of student. The 'guinea pig' for the experiment was asked to play the role of teacher and ask the student questions. If the student got them wrong, then he got zapped with an ever increasing voltage going up to 450v. In the background, was the experimenter who would offer soothing words to the teacher.

Many of the teachers had qualms about the bigger voltages but the experimenter soothingly told them to continue and they did. They continued to zap people long after the student failed to respond. Some expressed concern but were told to continue and most did. The 'Students' screamed and cried but the experiment continued

Many people condemned the experiment - unethical and other crap - but I thought it provided a useful insight into the obedience of authority. It may explain some of the aspects of Nazi behaviour.

Well, the experient has been replicated recently albeit not quite the same. And the results are no different.

But what the Times failed to mention was a book I once read, 'The Human Factor in Aircraft Accidents.' There is a whole chapter in there relating to incidents where the Second Officer told the pilot that he was doing something daft and then acquiescing to the point of doom.

Quite honestly, I found nothing remarkable about the outcome of the experiment. You can control almost anybody if you have a will. Well not me you can't cus I am just bloody minded.