Burger’s 2009 Replication of Milgram’s Obedience Studies: Insights into Human Behavior

In 2009, Jerry M. Burger conducted a partial replication of Stanley Milgram’s famous obedience studies. With ethical considerations in mind, Burger’s study allowed for comparisons with Milgram’s original investigations while prioritizing participant well-being.

Methodology: 70 adults replicated Milgram’s Experiment up to the point of first hearing the learner’s verbal protest at 150 volts. This approach provided insights into participants’ obedience levels, similar to Milgram’s findings.

Key Findings: Contrary to expectations, Burger found that obedience rates in his 2006 replication were only slightly lower than those observed by Milgram 45 years earlier. Even when participants witnessed a confederate refuse the experimenter’s instructions, obedience rates remained high.

Gender Differences and Personality Traits: Burger’s study revealed no significant gender differences in obedience rates. However, individual differences in traits like empathic concern and desire for control influenced participants’ responses.

Implications and Value: Burger’s replication underscores the enduring relevance of Milgram’s research in understanding human behavior, particularly in contexts of authority and obedience. Despite procedural changes aimed at enhancing participant autonomy, Burger’s findings echoed Milgram’s, highlighting the powerful situational forces at play.

Conclusion: While ethical considerations have restricted direct replications of Milgram’s studies, Burger’s work demonstrates that the situational factors influencing obedience identified by Milgram persist over time. This study reaffirms the importance of studying social psychological phenomena to comprehend complex human behaviors and societal dynamics.

Read here for more on Milgram’s original experiment