Experiments

Question 1

What was the Robert’s Cave experiment?

Answer 1

• 1954, psychologist Muzafer Sherif
• took 22 volunteer 12 year old boys
• all were similar, lower/middle class backgrounds
• were all emotionally and physically well adjusted and physically fit
• hypothesized that when groups are brought together with common goals, a group structure is developed

Question 2

What is collective behavior?

Answer 2

• the way people act in large crowds or in society
• usually spontaneous, maybe unpredictable
• panic, highly emotional/irrational response to a dangerous social event
• ie. the boys of the Robert’s Cave experiment lifting the food truck together

Question 3

What is altruism?

Answer 3

Unselfish regard for the needs of others.

Question 4

What was Asch’s Line experiment?

Answer 4

• a series of studies that demonstrated the power of conformity in groups
• chose the same answers as the others, even though it was wrong

Question 5

What did Stanley Milgram’s Shock experiment prove?

Answer 5

• people’s willingness to obey direct requests or commands

- people will often obey those who are in authority over them