Analyzing Stanley Milgrams The Lost Letter Experiment

The Lost Letter: Stanley Milgrams experiment Stanley Milgram is one of the most influential of the American postwar social scientists. Milgrams reputation lies not so much in his construction of wide, over-arching theories but in his ability to create provocative, strange even controversial experiments that test conventional notions of moral behavior. Although profoundly different, many of Milgrams experiments possess a common theme that of the situation-specific nature of morality. Humans were moral, his experiments suggested, not out of character or innate virtue, but based upon social pressures. Milgrams most famous experiment, rooted his knowledge of Nazi war crimes and groupthink, involved orchestrating an environment in which seemingly ordinary people were encouraged to administer what they believed to be fatal electric shocks to other experimental subjects (who were really Milgrams confederates). The overwhelming majority complied, and roughly 65 per cent of subjects continued to administer shocks up to the maximum of 450 volts despite the apparent screams of pain from their victim, results that have been replicated cross-culturally (Russell 2009). In a similar experiment which replicated Milgrams findings, seminarians were unwilling to help someone in physical distress when instructed to hurry from one building to another to deliver a moral sermon (Russell 2009). Although inspired by the postwar climate, these experiments did not specifically addressShow MoreRelated65 Successful Harvard Business School Application Essays 2nd Edition 147256 Words   |  190 Pagesopportunity to devise the plan that jump..started their involvement. This experience also highlighted leadership strengths that balance this weakness. Most important, I am a good listener. Openness to others input allows me a broader perspective for analyzing problems and leads to more thorough solutions. Furthermore, I pour my heart into everything I do. My enthusiasm enables me to work well in teams, motivate others, and create a fun and sup.. portive team environment. analysis This essay is evidenceRead MoreStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 PagesAbout Organizational Behavior? 4 Myth or Science? â€Å"Most Acts of Workplace Bullying Are Men Attacking Women† 12 An Ethical Choice Can You Learn from Failure? 24 glOBalization! Does National Culture Affect Organizational Practices? 30 Point/Counterpoint Lost in Translation? 31 Questions for Review 32 Experiential Exercise Workforce Diversity 32 Ethical Dilemma Jekyll and Hyde 33 Case Incident 1 â€Å"Lessons for ‘Undercover’ Bosses† 34 Case Incident 2 Era of the Disposable Worker? 35 vii viii CONTENTS Read MoreDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words   |  1617 PagesTodd Dewett, Wright State University Andrew J. Dubrin, Rochester Institute of Technology Steven Edelson, Temple University Norma Givens, Fort Valley State University Barbara A. Gorski, St. Thomas University David Hampton, San Diego State University Stanley Harris, Auburn University Richard E. Hunt, Rockhurst College Daniel F. Jennings, Baylor University Avis L. Johnson, University of Akron xx PREFACE Jay T. Knippen, University of South Florida Roland Kushner, Lafayette College Roy J. Lewicki, Ohio