To prepare for this assignment, locate scholarly articles on Milgram’s studies on obedience to authority and Zimbardo’s Stanford Prison experiment on the power of social roles.
QUESTION
To prepare for this assignment, locate scholarly articles on Milgram’s studies on obedience to authority and Zimbardo’s Stanford Prison experiment on the power of social roles. You may use the articles from the Unit 6 readings (attached); however, you must also use at least two resources that are not a part of this course. These two pivotal studies provide the basis for this assignment.
After completing your research, examine the controversy related to research and ethics in the field of social psychology. Consider the information you located on Milgram’s studies on obedience to authority and Zimbardo’s Stanford Prison experiment on the power of social roles. Write a paper in which you address the following:
Describe what these studies revealed about conformity and obedience to authority.
Explain the benefits from these research studies. What knowledge or insight was gained?
Describe the impact of the studies in terms of the effects on the human participants.
Explain how these (and other) controversial research studies have shaped the principles and standards in the current APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Ethics.
Develop evidence-based arguments both for and against these types of controversial research studies.
Determine whether the information that was obtained in the studies was worth the risks to the human subjects. Explain and support your position.
Assignment requirements:
Your submitted assignment should be 4–5 pages in length, excluding title page and reference page
Use references from at least three scholarly resources.
ANSWER
The Controversy of Research and Ethics in Social Psychology: A Critical Analysis of Milgram’s Obedience Study and Zimbardo’s Stanford Prison Experiment
Introduction
Social psychology experiments have long been a subject of controversy due to ethical concerns and the potential risks imposed on human participants. Two pivotal studies that have sparked significant debates in the field are Milgram’s obedience to authority study and Zimbardo’s Stanford Prison experiment. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of these studies, examining what they revealed about conformity and obedience to authority, the benefits and insights gained, the impact on human participants, their influence on the current APA Ethical Principles, and the arguments both for and against such controversial research studies.
Milgram’s Obedience to Authority Study
Description of the study and its findings (Miller et al., 1995).
Implications for conformity and obedience to authority
Benefits and insights gained from the research
Zimbardo’s Stanford Prison Experiment
Overview of the study and its outcomes
Understanding the power of social roles
Knowledge and insights acquired through the study
Impact on Human Participants
The effects experienced by participants in Milgram’s study
Psychological and emotional impact on participants in Zimbardo’s experiment
Influence on the Current APA Ethical Principles
Overview of the APA Ethical Principles and Code of Ethics B. Incorporation of lessons learned from controversial studies C. Enhancing protection and well-being of participants
Arguments for and Against Controversial Research Studies
Advancing scientific understanding and knowledge
Addressing important social issues and phenomena
Potential benefits for society and future generations (Nass, 2009)
Arguments against the conduct of controversial studies
Ethical concerns and risks to participants
Potential harm and long-term psychological effects
Alternative research methods and approaches
Assessing the Worth of Obtained Information
Weighing the benefits against the risks to human subjects
Considering the importance of informed consent and debriefing (Haslam & Reicher, 2012)
Ethical considerations and responsibility of researchers
Conclusion
The Milgram obedience study and Zimbardo’s Stanford Prison experiment have significantly shaped the field of social psychology and have been instrumental in understanding conformity, obedience, and the power of social roles. However, these studies have also faced substantial criticism for their ethical implications and potential harm to participants. While controversial research studies offer valuable insights, the ethical principles and code of conduct within the field have evolved to prioritize participant welfare. Striking a balance between scientific progress and ethical responsibility remains a crucial challenge for researchers in social psychology and other related disciplines.
References
Haslam, S. A., & Reicher, S. (2012). Contesting the “Nature” Of Conformity: What Milgram and Zimbardo’s Studies Really Show. PLOS Biology, 10(11), e1001426. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.1001426
Miller, A., Collins, B. E., & Brief, D. E. (1995). Perspectives on Obedience to Authority: The Legacy of the Milgram Experiments. Journal of Social Issues, 51(3), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4560.1995.tb01331.x
Nass, S. J. (2009). The Value, Importance, and Oversight of Health Research. Beyond the HIPAA Privacy Rule – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK9571/

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