Experiments

Question 1

Stanley Milgram

Answer 1

Milgram experiment: Examined the extent to which people would obey an authority figure, even if it meant inflicting pain on another person. A surprising number of participants were willing to follow the experimenter, even when the instructions became increasingly cruel.

Question 2

Albert Bandura

Answer 2

Bobo doll experiment: Examined the effects of observing violence on children’s behavior. Found that children who watched an adult model aggressively attack a Bobo doll were more likely to behave aggressively themselves.

Question 3

Solomon Asch

Answer 3

Asch conformity experiment: Examined the extent to which people would conform to the group, even if it meant giving an incorrect answer to a question. Found that a significant number of participants were willing to conform to the group, even when they knew the group was wrong.

Question 4

Philip Zimbardo

Answer 4

Stanford prison experiment: Examined the effects of situational factors on people’s behavior. Found that people assigned to play the role of prisoners quickly adopted the behaviors and attitudes of prisoners. In contrast, those given to play the role of guards quickly adopted the behaviors and attitudes of guards.

Question 5

John Darley and Bibb Latane

Answer 5

Bystander effect: Examines why people are less likely to help someone in need when other people are around. Found that people are more likely to help when they are the only ones who can help or when they believe they have special skills that could be helpful.