Stanley Milgram, born on August 15, 1933, in New York City, was a pioneering figure in social psychology, best known for his controversial experiment on obedience to authority conducted in the 1960s. Milgram’s Jewish heritage and the backdrop of the Holocaust played a profound role in shaping his interest in the darker aspects of human nature, particularly the capacity of ordinary people to commit acts of great cruelty under the influence of authority. (Milgram’s Obedience Study Theory explained in 300 words).

After earning his bachelor’s degree from Queens College in New York, Milgram pursued his Ph.D. in Social Psychology at Harvard University under the mentorship of Gordon Allport, though he was also influenced by the conformity experiments of Solomon Asch. His doctoral dissertation, which laid the groundwork for his later research, focused on cross-cultural comparisons of conformity.

In 1961, while at Yale University, Milgram conducted his landmark obedience experiments, which revealed startling insights into the power of authority and the ease with which individuals could be persuaded to act against their ethical beliefs. Participants, under the guise of contributing to scientific research, were willing to administer what they believed were painful electric shocks to others when instructed by an authority figure. These experiments highlighted the profound impact of situational variables on human behaviour, challenging previous notions of personal morality and ethics.

Milgram’s research extended beyond obedience. His “small-world experiment” in 1967 provided empirical support for the concept of “six degrees of separation,” illustrating the interconnected nature of social networks. His work on the urban experience, including the “bystander effect” and the phenomenon of “familiar strangers,” further broadened our understanding of social dynamics.

Despite facing criticism over ethical concerns, Milgram’s work remains foundational in social psychology, offering critical insights into the mechanisms of social influence, authority, and human behaviour. His legacy is a testament to the profound influence of the social context on individual actions.

Stanley Milgram Key Publications

1. “Behavioral Study of Obedience” (1963) – This is the original journal article where Milgram reported the findings from his landmark obedience experiments, showcasing how ordinary people can commit extraordinary acts under the influence of authority.
2. “Obedience to Authority: An Experimental View” (1974) – In this book, Milgram provides a comprehensive account of his obedience experiments, discussing the methodology, results, and implications of his findings in greater depth.
3. “The Small World Problem” (1967) – Published in “Psychology Today,” this article introduces the concept of “six degrees of separation” through Milgram’s innovative research on social networks.
4. “The Experience of Living in Cities” (1970) – Here, Milgram explores the psychological effects of urban living, including sensory overload and the ‘bystander effect,’ contributing to our understanding of social behavior in crowded environments.
5. “Lost Letter Technique: A Tool of Social Research” (1967) – Co-authored with S. Trabasso, this paper describes a novel research method for studying social attitudes and networks through undelivered mail.
6. “Response to Intrusion into Waiting Lines” (1984) – In this study, Milgram examines social norms and personal space by observing reactions to line-cutting behavior.
7. “Individual in a Social World: Essays and Experiments” (1977) – This collection of essays and experimental findings covers a wide range of Milgram’s research interests, including obedience, the small-world phenomenon, and urban psychology.

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