Essay on Milgram's and Zimbardo's Experiments

There are many reasons as to why people do certain things. It could be in obedience to instructions or because they think that is how things should be done. Zimbardo's Stanford prison experiment revealed that certain situations could make a good person do a bad thing. The reason for their behavior is that they are conformed to social role expectations (Zimbardo, 2016). Zimbardo investigated how people were ready to comply with the roles of prisoners and guards. The study revealed that the subjects adapted to their roles quickly. Guards began harassing the prisoners, and the detainees retaliated. This led to further harassment until some prisoners were tormented.

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Milgram's experiment showed that people were very obedient to authority. Many participants applied' high levels of electricity to innocent people without questioning their morals. The surety from the experimenter that is was okay to apply the deadly current was enough. The study showed that people were willing to obey authority as long as they would not be held liable for the consequences (Encina, 2004). In the event the experimenter implied the participant would be responsible, they participant would not continue with the experiment. Milgram's study helped psychologists understand that the reason as to why the Germans fought the Jews was not because they were evil, but they acted in obedience to authority.

Both Milgram's and Zimbardo's experiments gave results that were enlightening. Milgram's experiment brought insight on the behavior of ordinary people and how far they are willing to go in the name of following orders. Some participants applied' up to 450 volts which had the potential to kill someone. This showed that many people are capable of committing evil as long as they are not accountable for the actions. It also showed how easily people could be influenced to do evil by those in higher authority. Moreover, it shed light on how good people can be influenced to do evil deeds. It brought an understanding that there are times an abuser might be a victim of circumstances (Encina, 2004).

The Zimbardo experiment, on the other hand, sheds light on how culture and beliefs can influence a person's behavior. The students who assumed the role of guards did not have records of being aggressive in normal life. However, when they assumed the role of guards, some of them acted with brutality (Zimbardo, 2016). The experiment also shed light on how power can influence a person's behavior from good to evil. There is also the question of why the others guards did not condemn their brutal colleagues. It enlightened psychologists on the willingness of people to assume collective responsibilities by correcting others.

The Milgram experiment simulated a situation in which a soldier would be instructed to inflict harm on his subjects. In this way, the soldier would either obey or disobey a direct order from his superior. The experiment would put a participant in a hard position where one would have to choose between morals and authority (Encina, 2004). The research put the participants under a lot of pressure. Some opted out of the experiment while others struggled to the extent of sweating. The study subjected the participants to stress and pressure which they had not anticipated. This helped understand the pressure put on soldiers and agents when instructed to do things they feel is evil.

In Zimbardo's experiment, the guards were not limited to a set of rules. The decision on whether to do evil was entirely up to the guards (Zimbardo, 2016). The harassment of prisoners had adverse effects on them as they were exposed to brutality. Some prisoners had breakdowns after solitary confinement. This showed the need to have systems to regulate those in authority. The guards were given the power to control the prisoners, and they ended up abusing their power. The experiment brought out the need to have rules in prisons so as to protect prisoners. This is the reason why children are taken to juvenile facilities instead of adult prisons where they would face violence.

Despite the fact that Milgram's experiments did not have permanent harm on the participants, a lot of controversies emerged about the experiment. Therefore, the APA formulated guidelines which are continuously revised. The rules include obtaining informed consent from participants and reducing harm to them. Debriefing of participants before the experiment is also required and the psychologist has to ensure confidentiality. Finally, deception, if used, must be justified. Zimbardo was not aware of the results his experiment would give. He exposed his participants to torture which brought about controversies about the ethical issues. It, therefore, led to further concern about other operations of such nature. Due to this, researchers are closely monitored to ensure that their work is within the APA guidelines and does not cause too much harm to subjects (Zimbardo, 2016).

Studies such as Zimbardo's prison experiment and Milgram's experiment acted as eye openers to psychologists and the public. Milgram's experiment showed that participants were willing to expose subject to a deadly voltage of 450 volts without questioning the experimenter. This enlightened people on how they could be coerced into breaking the law and even killing (Encina, 2004). This brought the need for people to stand up for what is right and moral even if it means disobeying those in authority. Instead of blindly following orders, soldiers are aware of their moral responsibility. The guards mistreated the prisoners in Zimbardo's experiment without considering the feelings and rights of the prisoners. The prison experiment brought about the realization that many people undergo traumatic events in prisons (Zimbardo, 2016). This brought about reforms in prison management where the focus in not only on punishing but correcting as well. Exposing prisoners to torture only hardens them into hardcore criminals.

Though the participants of Milgram's experiments were later told that they did not harm anyone, they had already undergone the torture of subjecting someone to pain. The students who acted as prisoners in Zimbardo's experiment were exposed to torture and were not informed that they would be arrested in their homes. These actions had harmful effects on the participants. Both experimenters failed to protect their subjects from the harm the study would cause. Although those affected were eventually treated through counseling, they still underwent intense stress.

In my opinion, the information obtained from the experiments was worth the risks. The knowledge obtained from the experiments was priceless. It shed light on how people in higher authority have the capability of doing evil using their minors as tools. Moreover, it brought about the need for agents to question orders which they feel are immoral. Although the prison experiment caused harm to some of the subjects, it brought to light that stereotypes have an effect on the people's actions (Zimbardo, 2016). Some guards said they were only acting and this shows that conformity can have adverse effects. It is important for researchers to be careful on the effects their study would have on the subjects. In this way, participants would be protected from harm and researchers will gain knowledge.

References

Encina, G. B. (2004). Milgrams experiment on obedience to authority. Milgrams experiment on obedience to authority.

Zimbardo, P. (2016). Revisiting the Stanford prison experiment: A lesson in the power of situation. Perspectives on Contemporary Issues, 309.