In Milgram's obedience studies, why did many participants continue to obey the experimenter?

• A. They believed the experimenter had superior moral authority.
• B. They believed the experimenter held information the participant did not have.
• C. They had no awareness of the consequences.
• D. They wanted to maximize their own discomfort.

Answer: (B)

The study hinges on obedience to an authority that is seen as knowledgeable and legitimate. In Milgram’s setup, participants look to the experimenter for guidance and are told to treat the situation as important and scientific. Because the experimenter is perceived as having more information about what should be done and why, participants defer to that authority rather than rely on their own judgment. This information asymmetry—believing the authority knows more and is guiding the proper course—helps explain why many continued to obey even when it conflicted with their personal morals. It’s not about not knowing the consequences, but about trusting the authority’s knowledge and following where they are directed.