Research Study
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Obedience to Authority ("Shock Study")
Stanley Milgram
Stanley Milgram's study on obedience demonstrated how ordinary people can commit harmful acts when instructed by an authority figure. This research is significant in social psychology as it highlights the conflict between personal conscience and the demands of authority, contributing to the understanding of atrocities committed under authoritative pressure. -
The Bobo Doll Experiment
Albert Bandura
Bandura's Bobo Doll Experiment explored observational learning and aggression by demonstrating that children imitate aggressive behaviors exhibited by adults. This study is crucial to social psychology as it introduced the concept of social learning theory, emphasizing the role of observation and modeling in behavior acquisition. -
The Stanford Prison Experiment
Philip Zimbardo
Zimbardo’s Stanford Prison Experiment investigated the psychological effects of perceived power in a simulated prison environment. This study is significant for illustrating how situational factors and social roles influence behavior, emphasizing the impact of systems and environments on individual choices and actions. -
The Asch Conformity Experiments
Solomon Asch
Asch's experiments on conformity highlighted how group pressure can lead individuals to conform to incorrect majority opinions, even when they know the answers are wrong. This work is essential in social psychology as it demonstrates the power of social influence and the dynamics of group behavior. -
The Longitudinal Study of Social Behavior
Leonard A. Jason et al.
This study evaluated how social support, peer relationships, and community engagement influence mental health outcomes over time. Its significance lies in the exploration of social determinants of health, showcasing how social factors can profoundly impact individual well-being and collective mental health trends.
References:
- Myers, D. G. (2018). Social Psychology (12th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
- Aronson, E., Wilson, T. D., & Akert, R. M. (2019). Social Psychology (10th ed.). Pearson.
- Bandura, A. (1977). Social Learning Theory. Prentice Hall.
- Zimbardo, P. G. (1973). The Stanford Prison Experiment.
- Asch, S. E. (1951). "Effects of Group Pressure Upon the Modification and Distortion of Judgments." In Groups, Leadership and Men (pp. 177–190).
Feel free to adjust or add more references based on your course material!