What questions about the Milgram experiment did critics raise? How are today's experiments restricted in regards to ethics?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Criticisms of the Milgram experiment include deception, high stress on participants, and lack of general difference. Current experiments are restricted by ethical principles which ensure informed consent, protection from harm, limited use of deception, confidentiality, and the participant's right to withdraw from the experiment at any point.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Milgram experiment

The first step is learning about the Milgram experiment. Psychologist Stanley Milgram designed this experiment. Participants were asked to deliver electric shocks to another person. Unbeknownst to the participants, the receiver of these shocks was an actor. The experiment observed how far people would go in obeying an instruction if it involved harming another person.
02

Identify the criticisms

The Milgram experiment drew significant criticism. The primary reasons being: \n 1. Deception: Participants were misled, believing they were administering real shocks. This raised questions about informed consent. \n 2. Stress: The experiment placed participants in a very stressful situation which could potentially have long-term psychological effects. \n 3. Lack of generalizability: The participant sample consisted mainly of male volunteers which may not represent wider society.
03

Understand modern ethical restrictions

Today's psychological experiments must adhere to strict ethical guidelines. These include: \n 1. Informed consent: Participants must know what the experiment entails and agree to it. \n 2. Protection from harm: Experiments should not cause physical or psychological harm. \n 3. Deception: If deception is used, it must be justified and cause no harm. Debriefing is required afterwards. \n 4. Confidentiality: Participants' information must be kept private. \n 5. Right to withdraw: Participants can leave the study at any time.

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