What was the main result of Milgram's experiment concerning obedience?

Milgram's experiment on obedience yielded a significant finding: 65% of participants were willing to administer what they believed were maximum voltage shocks of 450 volts to another person, despite hearing simulated cries of distress. This high level of obedience was startling and demonstrated the strong influence of authority figures on individual behavior. The experiment highlighted how ordinary people can engage in actions they might normally find abhorrent when instructed by an authority figure.

In this context, the outcome also illustrates the psychological mechanisms of obedience, such as the perception of legitimate authority, the gradual escalation of commitment, and the situational context that can lead individuals to act against their moral beliefs. This understanding remains crucial in the study of psychology, particularly in exploring how norms and authority can shape behavior in various contexts.