Results: The study found that 65% of participants obeyed the experimenter and delivered the highest level of shock.
Social Approach
Psychology Notes
A Level/AS Level/O Level
Social Approach
The Power of the Situation: Understanding Social Influence
Social psychology explores how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the people around us. It's like a magnifying glass, helping us understand why we act the way we do in different social situations. Think about it: Have you ever felt yourself getting swept up in the excitement of a crowd? Or felt pressured to conform to your friends' opinions? That's social psychology in action!
Key Concepts in Social Influence
-Conformity: This is when we change our behavior to fit in with a group. We all do it to some extent, whether it’s choosing the same brand of sneakers as your friends or adopting a new fashion trend.
-Obedience: This is when we follow the orders of an authority figure. Imagine a teacher telling you to stay after class - you probably obey, even though you might not want to.
-Social Norms: These are the unwritten rules of society that guide our behavior. Think about how we stand in line, how we greet each other, or how we behave at a movie theater. These unspoken rules are social norms.
-Groupthink: This is when a group makes bad decisions because they prioritize harmony and conformity over critical thinking. Imagine a group of friends deciding where to eat, but everyone goes along with the first suggestion, even if it's not the best choice.
Classic Studies in Social Influence
-The Asch Conformity Experiment (1951): Imagine you're in a room with a group of people, and they're asked to identify the length of a line. Most people see the same length, but some people intentionally give a wrong answer. This study showed that people are more likely to conform to the group's answer, even when they know it's wrong.
-The Milgram Obedience Experiment (1963): This study explored how readily people would obey orders from an authority figure, even if it meant harming another person. Participants were told to administer electric shocks to a "learner" (who was actually an actor) when they gave wrong answers. The study found that 65% of participants obeyed the experimenter and delivered the highest level of shock. This study highlights the powerful influence that authority figures can have on our behavior.
Social Influence in Real Life
Social influence is all around us. Think about:
-Peer pressure: You might feel pressure to drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes because your friends are doing it.
-Advertising: Companies use social influence to convince us to buy their products. They often feature celebrities or "ordinary people" using their products to make them seem appealing.
-Political campaigns: Politicians use social influence to get people to vote for them. They often appeal to our emotions or try to make us believe that they represent our values.
How to Resist Social Influence
It's important to be aware of social influence and how it can affect our decisions. Here are some tips for resisting social pressure:
-Be aware of your own values: Know what you believe in and don't be afraid to stand up for your beliefs.
-Don't be afraid to say "no": It's okay to disagree with the group or to refuse to do something that makes you uncomfortable.
-Seek out alternative perspectives: Look for information from different sources before making a decision.
-Practice your assertiveness skills: Learn to confidently express your thoughts and feelings.
Conclusion:
Social influence is a powerful force that shapes our lives in many ways. By understanding the principles of social influence, we can become more aware of how it affects us and learn how to resist pressure when necessary. Remember, you have the power to make your own choices!
Bonus Notes
Brief Answers to Psychology Essay Questions on Milgram's Study:
1. Ethical Implications:
Milgram's study raises ethical concerns due to the significant psychological distress inflicted on participants. The deception involved and the lack of informed consent violate key ethical principles of psychological research. While the experiment provided valuable insights into obedience, the potential harm to participants outweighs the benefits in modern ethical standards.
2. Situational Factors:
Milgram's study highlights the powerful influence of situational factors on human behavior. The experiment's controlled environment, the authority figure's presence, and the perceived legitimacy of the experiment all contributed to participants' obedience. This demonstrates that even in seemingly ordinary situations, external factors can drastically override individual morals.
3. Factors Contributing to Obedience:
The findings suggest several factors contribute to obedience:
⭐Legitimacy of Authority: The perceived authority of the experimenter and the institutional setting increased compliance.
⭐Proximity and Responsibility: Participants were more likely to obey when physically distanced from the victim and when responsibility was diffused.
⭐Gradual Escalation: The gradual increase in shock levels made it easier for participants to continue obeying.
⭐Social Norms: Participants may have felt pressured to conform to the perceived norms of the situation.
4. Deindividuation:
Milgram's study exemplifies deindividuation. Participants, stripped of their individual identity through the experiment's anonymity and focus on the authority figure, became more susceptible to external influences and less concerned with their own moral principles.
5. Generalizability:
While the findings are groundbreaking, generalizability faces limitations:
⭐Methodological: The study's specific conditions may not be representative of real-world situations, potentially limiting its generalizability.
⭐Cultural: Cultural variations in obedience and deference to authority might influence the replicability of the study's results across different populations.
It's essential to consider these limitations when interpreting and applying Milgram's findings to diverse contexts.