FINAL

1

PSY 530 Final Project

Student's Name

Institutional Affiliation

Course Details

Instructor's Name

Date

PSY 530 Final Project

Milgram (1965) and Alasuutari (2018) are the classic and modern studies chosen for the assignment. The researchers sought to determine how authorities influence the behavior of different individuals. In the classic research, the study question sought to establish how authorities influence behavioral outcomes in individuals. The modern study purposed to establish how authorities appeal to different people's thinking processes to generate human behavior. Classic research found that people perform actions according to how authority wants them to. Modern research concluded that people in authority force changes in human behavior by influencing their thinking patterns. The studies used a social cognitive approach because those in authority modified the subjects' behaviors. The social cognitive theory believes that other people's actions and environmental factors can greatly determine human behavior. The classic study author used relevant references from other studies, while in the modern article, the author used his past works to reference the article. Milgram (1965), the modern article, was published 50 years ago, while Alasuutari (2018) was published within five years. The articles demonstrate a significant change in psychology over time. For instance, many people have studied the area, and many articles make it easy to use document analysis, as in the case of modern study, unlike the classic one, which used observational methodology. Additionally, in the early days, there were many ethical problems during research due to the need for proper laws on research ethics. 

Human Behavior

           At different times, the studies provided critical research directions. For instance, according to the classic study, people made their decisions as per the current authority figures, which directed the research to establish the role of authority in modeling human behavior. In modern studies, authorities force changes in how people behave and make daily decisions. In modern times, the conditioning approach guides the research on human behavior, where various incentives force people to behave in a certain manner. Once published, the studies influenced social policies and informed psychological programs for behavior change in different areas, such as corrective agencies. The classic study had some ethical problems, which could affect readers' perception of the study findings compared to modern research, which complied with ethical research guidelines. 

Influence on Society

The chosen articles had a significant positive impact on society. In classic research, the authorities can influence good societal behaviors, including instilling compliance with disease-preventive practices by giving the right directions. In modern times, different interventions can be applied to motivate people to adopt the right ways and avoid unnecessary risks. However, the studies affected society negatively as they gave power to authorities to take away people's autonomy in decision-making and could easily shape their people despite consideration of morality. In the modern article, authority influences people's ways of thinking and how they make daily decisions. According to classic research, individuals make daily decisions as the authorities would like, limiting their autonomy to do what they feel is good. The findings of these studies changed society and how we people see it at both personal and group levels. For instance, people would make decisions within the scope defined by the authority of the day. This is good for policy implementation and the adoption of good practices. 

Ethical Considerations

           The classic research had some ethical concerns as where participants underwent mental pressures in the process of complying with instructions given by the authority figures. The modern study had no ethical problems due to the existing legal framework requiring strict compliance with research ethical principles and approval by the relevant authority, like the institutional review board (IRB), before conducting the research. This ensures the study conforms with all the necessary guidelines to guarantee the safety of the study participants. In the old days, there was no well-established research ethical framework to guarantee their safety and confidentiality. Today, studies must seek approval from the institutional review board (IRB), which sets out particular requirements. The researchers should first seek informed consent from the participants and give details on what are the study goals, expectations, and risks (West, 2020). Participation should be voluntary, and subjects can discontinue their participation voluntarily. Finally, the research methodology should comply with beneficence, autonomy, justice, and non-maleficence principles. 

References

Alasuutari, P. (2018). Authority as epistemic capital. Journal of Political Power, 11(2), 165–190. https://doi.org/10.1080/2158379x.2018.1468151

Milgram, S. (1965). Some conditions of obedience and disobedience to authority. Human Relations, 18(1), 57–76. https://doi.org/10.1177/001872676501800105

West, E. (2020). Ethics and integrity in nursing research.  Handbook of research ethics and scientific integrity, 1051-1069. https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-3-030-16759-2_46