Which of the following best represents the major conclusion people draw from Milgram's research.

Milgram's research, particularly his famous obedience experiments conducted in the 1960s, led to several critical conclusions regarding human behavior, specifically in the context of authority and obedience.

1. Obedience to Authority: One of the primary conclusions is that people are often willing to obey authority figures, even when such obedience leads to actions that conflict with their personal conscience and ethical standards. This was exemplified by the participants who continued to administer what they believed to be painful electric shocks to a learner under the guidance of an experimenter.

2. Situational Factors: Milgram's findings suggest that situational factors significantly influence individuals’ behaviors. The environment and the presence of authority figures can heavily sway a person's decision-making process, leading them to carry out orders they might otherwise find morally objectionable.

3. Human Capacity for Harm: The research illustrates the disturbing capacity for ordinary individuals to commit acts of cruelty when directed by an authority figure. This has profound implications for understanding compliance and responsibility, especially in contexts such as military and organizational settings.

Overall, Milgram's studies raise important questions about morality and ethical behavior in situations where authority is a factor. They challenge the notion that only inherently cruel individuals are capable of perpetrating harm, instead suggesting that context and pressure can lead ordinary people to act against their moral beliefs.