The Ethical Responsibilities of Scientists Lesson 2

Learning Objectives To examine some of the ethical concerns of scientific research To understand some of the limitations placed upon scientists in the study of human behaviour Learning outcomes To be able to develop an objective understanding of the key issues that effect both sides of the argument

Stanley Milgram Social Psychologist at Yale The Milgram experiment was a series of controversial experiments which measured the willingness of study participants to obey an authority figure who instructed them to perform acts that conflicted with their personal conscience. Watch this clip and discuss; Do you think there is anything morally Or ethically wrong with this experiment? Why? What is the experiment aiming To achieve? Why? What could we Compare this to?

The experiment continues

Philip Zimbardo There is a little-known coda to the Milgram Experiment, reported by Philip Zimbardo, another eminent Psychologist, none of the participants who refused to administer the final shocks insisted that the experiment itself be terminated, nor left the room to check the health of the victim without requesting permission to leave What does this illustrate? Discuss the implications of this experiment The experiment concludes

Extension activity Research into the Stanford Prison Experiment