- Defenders of the research argue that the findings about human behavior under conditions of authority and social influence are important and have had a positive impact on society.
- For example, the Milgram experiment has been used to inform military practices, jury instructions, and corporate training programs to reduce the likelihood that people will blindly follow orders without considering the consequences.
- Additionally, supporters point out that participants were debriefed after the experiment and most expressed relief in learning that they did not actually harm anyone although all participants reported higher levels of stress post-experimentation.
- Critics of the experiment argue that the benefits do not outweigh the questionable methodologies utilized by the experimenter - that the level of deception and psychological distress caused to participants was unethical and not justified due to the nature of the findings: that most people will follow orders even if they conflict with their own consciences
In conclusion, the ethical implications of the Milgram experiment continue to be hotly debated, illustrating the ongoing tensions between the pursuit of scientific knowledge and research ethics involving human subjects. The Milgram experiment is still an integral component of discussions centered around psychological ethics; as it remains to be one of the most contentious examples of the limits that should be present within psychological research involving human subjects. Further, it has left the field of psychology grappling with the challenge of balancing ethical responsibilities with valuable insights generated through studies involving participant deception/mental or emotional discomfort.