Question

1) What was significant about the results of the Milgram obedience study (also known as the 'electric shock experiment')? What does it teach us about human behavior?

2) What was significant about the results of the Zimbardo study (also known as the 'Stanford Prison Study')? What does it teach us about human behavior?

3) In what ways do people behave differently when they're part of groups and crowds compared to when they're alone (i.e., what kinds of things are more likely to happen when we're in the context of groups)?

4) What did you learn regarding stereotypes and prejudice?

5) How can prejudice be reduced?

Answer 1

Milgram's obedience study found that 65% of participants continued to give highest level of volts and obey orders. Hence in conclusion, it was understood that people are likely to follow orders given by an authority figure regardless of the circumstances, because it is a quality ingrained us. This tells us that human beings are obedient by nature, mostly and if they recognize that the authority is legally based or morally right, then they are more likely to obey it.

The Zimbardo study reflected that individuals will readily conform to a social role given to them especially if it is something that can be stereotyped like that of a prison guard. In the infamous Stanford prison experiment, although it had to be called off, it was found that the guards and the prisoners became so involved in their social role that they forgot that it was an experiment, and it began to affect them psychologically and disturb them severely.

Individuals can behave in different ways when in groups and when alone. When in a group, it is easier to conform to norms and social expectations. An individual is likely to follow orders or conform to authority if everyone in a group is doing the same, and vice-versa, even if they do not actually believe in either. When alone, an individual is more likely to be able to decide independently. Sometimes in a group, deindividuation can occur, which is a process whereby to conform to the group norms, and social role, the individual forgets their own identity and responsibility. Eg. in the Zimbardo study, the guards became so inhuman in their treatment because they became so involved in their social role.

The Zimbardo clearly reflected that stereotypes about prisoners and guards can affect the way humans behave when put in a mock situation where they have to act like that. During the experiment, the guards were stern and strict, almost inhuman with prisoners, because the role of guards in prisons is stereotyped as that. Since there is a prejudice against prisoners that they are individuals who are guilty of crime, and hence, deviant of social norms, we automatically have an inherent negative bias towards them. Hence, in the experiment, the guards were even more strict with the prisoners, as if it was their duty to teach them a lesson or continue punishing them.

Prejudice can be reduced by helping people to understand the inconsistencies in their own beliefs. Also, helping people that may be biased and prejudiced, to interact with different groups, can help expose them and open their minds up to differences.