Milgram Experiment
Human beings tend to follow instructions and obey authority depending on the existing situation. In July 1961, a psychologist from Yale University by the name of Stanley Milgram started a series of experiments to understand why human beings were willing to obey orders from their superiors (Griggs, 2017). His source of influence was the trial of Adolf Eichmann, one of Adolf Hitler’s generals, that was taking place in Jerusalem during the same period. Such research activities would collectively be given the name Milgram experiments (Griggs, 2017). Participants had different educational attainment levels and cultural backgrounds. The main requirement was for them to administer the electric shocks to selected learners. The electric current had to be increased gradually while monitoring the responses of the involved participants (Griggs, 2017). The findings indicated that the majority of the individuals obeyed such instructions without questioning. The recorded observations revealed that many people would have no option but to follow their superior’s requirements.
Real-World Situation
Different scenarios and cases have been recorded whereby people have been observed to obey authority from their respective leaders or governments. One of the best examples is the unprecedented curfew and lockdown measures that have been pronounced in many countries across the globe following the challenges and health issues associated with the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). This situation has emerged due to the infectious nature and the rate at which this condition has been spreading across the globe (Alessi, 2020). Additionally, it has been claiming lives and making it impossible for more citizens to pursue their normal personal or career objectives efficiently. Consequently, governments have issued such orders as a way of reducing the rate of spread and protecting lives. Some of the adopted procedures include lockdowns, curfews, social distancing rules, and washing hands with soap. Law enforcement has been involved in such an effort to ensure that the targeted people obey these orders. The results have been positive since many citizens have responded positively without being coerced or monitored.
Comparisons
From the above two experiments, it can be observed that human beings would obey orders depending on the nature of the situation. In the case of the Milgram experiments, the respondents were keen to follow the instructions provided by their seniors or leaders (Griggs, 2017). On the other hand, COVID-19 is an unknown illness that is claiming the lives of thousands of people across the globe (Alessi, 2020). Consequently, many individuals have been keen to protect themselves against the condition due to its infectious nature. The threats and possible losses associated with this condition have compelled more people to be involved and consider evidence-based practices to deal with it. These two cases show conclusively that human beings will always be ready to obey authority and instructions depending on the nature of the circumstance, the pains they would have to experience should they ignore them, and the desire for self-preservation or protection.
Concluding Remarks
The above two cases have revealed that people tend to obey their superiors depending on extrinsic factors, such as the possible punishment or job loss for failing to do so. Similarly, intrinsic factors would compel more individuals to act accordingly to safeguard their lives against imminent danger. With this additional knowledge, it becomes clear that human beings would obey authority depending on the overall rewards, potential personal gains, and the consequences of failing to do so.
References
Alessi, C. (2020). ‘All hands should be on deck’ – Key quotes from leaders on the fight against COVID-19. World Economic Forum.
Griggs, R. A. (2017). Milgram’s obedience study: A contentious classic reinterpreted. Teaching of Psychology, 44(1), 32-37.