Yale University Experiment (May 1962)

Overview

• Conducted in the Interaction Laboratory at Yale University.
• Subjects: 40 males, ages 20-50, from the Greater New Haven area.
• Recruited via newspaper advertisement and direct mail.
• Participants ranged from various educational levels and occupations.
• Aim: To investigate the effects of punishment on learning and the impact of authority on obedience.

Experiment Setup

• Teachers (subjects) and Learners (accomplices) were assigned by drawing lots, which was rigged so the naive subject was always the teacher.
• Learners were strapped with electrodes connected to a shock generator.
• Teachers read word pairs to learners; mistakes were punished with electric shocks, which increased in intensity with each error.

Procedure

• Teachers gave a sample shock of 45 volts to understand the sensation.
• Teachers read a list of word pairs; learners responded by pressing buttons.
• Wrong answers resulted in increasing shock levels, starting at 15 volts.

Key Observations

• Many teachers (subjects) expressed discomfort but continued due to experimenter insistence.
• Instances of nervous laughter and signs of tension were noted among teachers.
• The increase in shock levels elicited protests, but teachers often continued when urged by the experimenter.

Results and Psychological Insights

• 50% of subjects administered the highest shock level.
• The majority of subjects followed orders, despite apparent distress of learners.
• Predicted by psychiatrists: Only 0.1% would reach the highest shock level.
• Actual: Significant obedience observed, contrary to predictions.

Experimental Variations

• Conditions varied based on proximity and audibility of learners’ protests.
• Physical presence of experimenter increased obedience.
• Obedience decreased when commands were given via telephone or recording.
• Group dynamics: Presence of non-compliant actors reduced obedience among subjects.

Ethical Considerations

• Subjects were debriefed and assured no real shocks were given.
• A formal assessment confirmed the procedure's overall effectiveness and ethical management.

Conclusion

• Human obedience to authority is high, even against moral inclinations.
• Raises concerns about the potential for authority to dictate inhumane actions.
• The study suggests the potential influence of authority figures in societal and governmental contexts.

Implications

• The study has profound implications on understanding authority and obedience in society.
• Suggests need for checks on authority to prevent abuse and encourage ethical behavior.