Penn State Presents Stanley Milgram’s Classic Obedience Study in Modern Format

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa., March 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — “I was just following orders.” From Abu Ghraib to Nazi Germany, this Nuremberg Defense has been heard throughout history. It also sparked the curiosity of psychologist Dr. Stanley Milgram, which led to his Obedience to Authority experiment. The test began in 1961 and the purpose was to examine if human beings would follow the instructions of an authority figure, even if the commands were morally questionable.

When news about prisoner abuse at Abu Ghraib in Iraq hit the presses in 2004, many experts referred to social psychologist Stanley Milgram’s obedience experiments as a way to explain the behavior of modern soldiers. It was clear that Milgram’s research about obeying authority, which is almost 50 years old, is still relevant in today’s world.

The psychological results from popular experiments done by Stanley Milgram still hold true in our society today. Famous for his Obedience to Authority and Six Degrees of Separation studies, Milgram shows why human beings act the way we do. The new DVD, “Great Minds of the 20th Century: Stanley Milgram” gives students a way to learn the facts through an interactive method of video and discussion.

This DVD has clips from six experiments filmed by Dr. Milgram with a corresponding classroom curriculum. The films featured include, Obedience, Nonverbal Communication, Conformity and Independence, Human Aggression, The City and Self, and Welcome to Social Psychology.

The educational DVD focuses on the important parts of Milgram’s experiments, and makes it simple for students to follow along with the classroom materials contained in this package. Each video segment incorporates Milgram’s key ideas. An easy-to-access PDF file offers discussion questions and specific activities that will enhance student participation in the classroom and make it convenient for instructors to explain the concepts.

This multimedia product provides learners with an exciting and unique perspective into Dr. Milgram’s life. The DVD also features Milgram’s wife, Alexandra, who shares personal stories of how his friends and family shaped his work.

“Great Minds of the 20th Century: Stanley Milgram” will expose students to critical elements of psychology, and allow them to expand their knowledge without the need for a textbook.

Check out a sample of the materials at this interactive website: http://www.mediasales.psu.edu/milgram.html

Penn State Media Sales is an exclusive distributor of renowned educational films contributed by post-secondary institutions, individual academic professionals and commercial distributors.

The DVD set is available online for $350 and runs approximately 3 hours. If you have any questions or you need more information, please contact Penn State Media Sales at MediaSales@outreach.psu.edu or call 1-800-770-2111.

SOURCE Penn State Media Sales