What was the primary finding in Milgram's shock and obedience study?

Milgram's shock and obedience study revealed that a significant majority of participants were willing to administer what they believed to be painful electric shocks to another person when instructed to do so by an authority figure. This finding demonstrated the powerful influence that authority can have on individual behavior, leading people to act against their personal morals and ethical beliefs under the pressure of authoritative direction.

The study's results underscored the capacity for ordinary people to commit acts they might typically find reprehensible, all in the name of obedience to an authority figure. This phenomenon raises critical questions about moral judgment, responsibility, and the extent to which context and authority can shape behavior.