Participants were also subjected to significant psychological stress, as they believed they were harming the "learner."
Social Approach
Psychology Notes
A Level/AS Level/O Level
Social Approach
The Social Approach to Psychology: Understanding Our Behavior in Groups
The social approach in psychology focuses on how our behavior is influenced by the people around us, the social norms we follow, and the groups we belong to.
1. The Power of the Situation:
Imagine you're at a concert, and everyone around you is singing along. Even if you don't know the words, you might find yourself joining in, right? That's social influence in action!
2. Conformity: Following the Crowd
What is it?
Conformity is when we change our behavior or opinions to fit in with a group. There are a few reasons we do this:
- Informational Social Influence: We look to others for information when we're unsure about something.
- Normative Social Influence: We want to be liked and accepted, so we conform to avoid social rejection.
Real-life Example:
Imagine you're at a new school and see everyone wearing a particular type of clothing. You might start dressing similarly to fit in.
3. Obedience: Following Orders
What is it?
Obedience is when we follow instructions given by an authority figure, even if it goes against our own beliefs.
The Milgram Experiment:
This famous experiment showed how easily people can be influenced by authority. Participants were told to administer electric shocks to a learner (who was actually an actor) for wrong answers. The shocking result (pun intended!) was that many participants obeyed the authority figure's instructions even when they believed they were harming the "learner."
Real-life Example:
Imagine you're working at a fast-food restaurant and a manager tells you to do something that seems unethical. You might still obey, even if you have doubts, because of the authority figure.
4. Groupthink: When Everyone Thinks Alike
What is it?
Groupthink is a phenomenon where groups make bad decisions because they prioritize harmony and agreement over critical thinking. This can lead to:
- Ignoring dissenting opinions: Anyone who disagrees is silenced or pressured to conform.
- Overconfidence in the group's decision: The group believes they're right, even if they haven't considered all the evidence.
Real-life Examples:
- Political parties that fail to challenge their own beliefs, even when faced with evidence against their positions.
- Companies that make bad business decisions because they don't want to upset the CEO or other high-ranking individuals.
5. Social Identity Theory: Us vs. Them
What is it?
This theory explains how we develop a sense of belonging to certain groups and distinguish ourselves from others. It's based on the idea that:
- We strive for positive social identity.
- We categorize ourselves and others into "in-groups" (groups we belong to) and "out-groups" (groups we don't belong to).
Real-life Examples:
- Sports fans who feel a strong sense of loyalty to their team.
- National pride and patriotism.
- Prejudice and discrimination against certain groups.
Remember: Understanding how social influences affect our behavior can help us make more informed decisions and challenge negative social trends. Being aware of these concepts allows us to be more critical thinkers and active members of society.
Bonus Notes
Milgram Experiment Essay Questions:
1. Ethical Implications & Participant Distress:
The Milgram Experiment raised significant ethical concerns. Participants endured extreme psychological distress due to the conflict between their morals and the experimenter's demands. This distress included anxiety, trembling, sweating, and even seizures. The experiment violated the principles of informed consent and minimizing harm, justifying the need for stricter ethical guidelines in research.
2. Social Pressure & Conformity:
Social pressure and conformity played a pivotal role in the experiment. Participants were influenced by the authority figure's presence, the legitimacy of the setting, and the perceived consensus of others. The experiment demonstrated how individuals can conform to group norms and authority figures, even when their own moral compass dictates otherwise.
3. Psychological Mechanisms of Obedience:
The Milgram Experiment revealed several psychological mechanisms underlying obedience, including:
⭐Authority Figure: Participants were more likely to obey when the authority figure was perceived as legitimate and trustworthy.
⭐Diffusion of Responsibility: Participants shifted responsibility for their actions onto the experimenter, believing they were merely following orders.
⭐Gradual Escalation: Starting with small, seemingly benign actions, participants were pressured to gradually increase their obedience, making it harder to resist later.
These findings can be applied to real-world situations such as obedience to authority in workplaces, military contexts, and political systems.
4. Validity & Generalizability:
The Milgram Experiment holds both strengths and limitations:
⭐Strengths: Controlled environment, systematic methodology, and clear demonstration of obedience.
⭐Limitations: Small sample size, limited generalizability to other cultures, and ethical concerns about participant distress.
While the experiment offers valuable insights, its generalizability needs to be considered with caution.
5. Impact on Public Understanding:
The Milgram Experiment significantly shaped our understanding of human behavior. It challenged the notion that individuals are inherently good and demonstrated how readily people can succumb to authority pressure. This understanding has implications for our understanding of social conformity, power dynamics, and ethical decision-making in various societal contexts.
The Milgram Experiment remains a landmark study in social psychology, highlighting the complexities of human behavior and the importance of ethical considerations in research. Its lasting impact on our understanding of obedience, authority, and ethics continues to inform various fields and societal discussions.