What was the primary aim of Milgram's experiment?

The primary aim of Milgram's experiment was to determine if people would obey authority figures even when such obedience could lead to inflicting harm on others. The study involved participants being instructed to administer electric shocks to another individual (who was actually an actor) whenever a wrong answer was provided. Despite the apparent distress of the learner and the ethical implications of causing harm, a significant number of participants continued to follow the instructions of the authority figure, demonstrating high levels of obedience.

This experiment was groundbreaking in exploring the tension between individual morality and compliance with authority, indicating that under certain circumstances, people might prioritize obedience over their ethical standards. Milgram's findings highlighted the psychological mechanisms behind authority and obedience, shedding light on human behavior in hierarchical structures. The study has since provided a critical understanding of how situational factors can significantly influence moral choices, making it a foundational piece in the field of social psychology.