Understanding Free Will in Milgram's Experiment

What percentage of participants in Milgram's experiment exercised their free will?

• A. 50%
• B. 35%
• C. 60%
• D. 25%

Answer: (B)

In Milgram's experiment on obedience, the focus is on how individuals respond to authority figures, specifically regarding their willingness to comply with instructions that conflict with their personal moral beliefs. The results indicated that a significant majority of participants (about 65%) continued to deliver shocks up to the maximum voltage, demonstrating high levels of obedience rather than exercising their free will. Free will in this context can be understood as the ability of participants to say ‘no’ to the instructions given by the experimenter and decide to stop administering shocks. The percentage of participants who defied the authority and chose not to follow the orders—effectively exercising their free will—was much lower than the percentage who complied. Therefore, the notion that 35% of participants resisted the command shows an important aspect of human behavior in the face of authority; however, the focus is on illustrating that the actual percentage exercising free will to stop was considerably less than the majority. In summary, while the idea of 35% resisting reflects a significant number of individuals who chose to reject the authority's demands, it should be highlighted that it was far less than the overall compliance rate observed in this influential psychological study.

When we think about human behavior, a classic question rises to the top: how much control do we really have over our actions, especially when faced with authority? Milgram's experiment provides a stunning window into this dilemma. Launched in the early 1960s by psychologist Stanley Milgram, the study aimed to explore the extent to which individuals would obey instructions that clashed with their moral beliefs. Trust me, it’s as wild as it sounds!

In this infamous experiment, participants believed they were giving increasingly painful electric shocks to a learner for incorrect answers on a memory test. The results? A whopping 65% of participants went all the way to the maximum voltage level despite their apparent discomfort. This shocking number highlights a profound aspect of our psychology: most people will follow authority figures even when it contradicts their personal convictions.

So, what about those 35% who chose to say ‘no’ and resist the experimenter's commands? This percentage signifies a significant flicker of free will amidst a backdrop of compliance. They stood up for their morals and pushed back against an authority figure—a brave choice that surely resonates with anyone who's ever faced a tough decision between right and wrong.

You might be wondering, what’s the big deal about 35%? It shows us that while many people will bow to authority, a noticeable proportion still holds tightly to their values. It raises all sorts of questions about the human condition: How do we weigh obedience against our own ethical standards? Is it instinctual to obey, or is defiance a learned behavior? These questions aren’t just for psychologists; they resonate in classrooms, workplaces, and homes everywhere.

The intricacies of Milgram's findings serve as a powerful reminder. They showcase that while our instinct might be to yield in the face of authority, a considerable number of us have the courage to question and resist. Whether it’s in psychology or our everyday lives, understanding this dynamic can inform our actions and choices when we stand at the crossroads of authority and personal belief.

So, as you prepare for your A Level Psychology OCR Exam, keep this crucial aspect of Milgram's study in mind. It’s not only about memorizing percentages; it’s about grasping the deeper implications of why people choose to comply or resist. That connection between free will and authority is a defining aspect of human behavior, and it deserves a space in your understanding of psychology.