The person responsible for the study:  Stanley Milgram, an American social psychologist. 

Background information: This experiment was conducted in the aftermath of WW2 when there was a debate over whether Nazi officials, left in the dust after Germany lost the war, should be severely punished. 

Methodology: Under the assumption that they were participating in a study on learning and memory, participants were brought in to assume the role of a "teacher" and administer shocks to a "learner," who was an actor in the experiment, every time they got a specific question wrong. The shock voltage ranged from 15 volts to 450 volts. Even though the "learner" clearly showed discomfort, the participant was told to continue with the shocks. 

Results: A shocking 65% of all participants were found to continue to shock the "learner" up to the maximum voltage of 450 volts. While most of the participants were hesitant and did show signs of nervousness, they continued to follow the orders they were given, even if that meant harming another human being. 

Significance of results/legacy/recent relevance: 

These results were shocking and showed how powerful the influence of authority can be on an individual's behavior. It showed how even the most ordinary people commit harmful behavior by following others' orders. 

How to improve the experiment: One aspect of the experiment that could be improved is the treatment of people: the researchers can ensure that participants receive a debriefing and completely understand that they did not harm any being.