In the context of Milgram's obedience study, how might cultural differences influence the levels of conformity observed among participants from different backgrounds?

Cultural differences can greatly influence how people respond to authority, as seen in Milgram's obedience study. In cultures that emphasize collectivism, where group harmony and obedience to authority figures are valued, participants may be more likely to follow orders, even if those orders conflict with their personal beliefs. Conversely, in individualistic cultures that prioritize personal freedom and questioning authority, participants might show less conformity and be more willing to resist orders. For example, if a researcher asks participants to administer shocks to someone, a participant from a collectivist culture might feel a strong obligation to comply, while someone from an individualistic culture might refuse based on personal ethics. Thus, cultural background can shape how individuals perceive and respond to authority, affecting levels of conformity in such studies.