National Counselor Exam (NCE)

In the Milgram studies, people were likely to disobey when which of the following conditions existed?

1. The victim was distant

2. The victim was in an adjoining room

3. Authority figure was absent

4. Instructions conflicted with personal morals

The correct answer is: The victim was in an adjoining room

In the Milgram studies, disobedience to authority figures was significantly influenced by the proximity of the victim. When the victim was in an adjoining room, participants could hear the victim but were not face-to-face with them. This physical distance diminished the emotional impact of their actions, making it easier for individuals to comply with the authority figure's demands. Research indicated that as the victim became more distant—physically or emotionally—the level of obedience increased, as participants felt less personal responsibility for their actions. The psychological distance allowed participants to dehumanize the victim, thereby reducing feelings of guilt or remorse. Conversely, when participants were closer to the victim (like in the same room), they were more likely to experience empathy and be influenced by their own moral compass, leading to higher rates of disobedience. Understanding these dynamics deepens awareness of how situational factors can influence ethical decision-making and obedience to authority, an important consideration in counseling and related fields.