Exploring the Impact of Famous Experiments on Human Behavior
Psychology, as a scientific discipline, is #8220;built upon __the__ study of human behavior#8221; (American Psychological Association, 2018). The field is rich with experiments that have collectively shed light on various aspects of human behavior and cognition. From the perceived beauty in an unexpected setting to the influence of observation on behavior, several psychological experiments have made significant contributions to our understanding of the human mind.
Pedestrian Perception and Artistic Value: Joshua Bell in the Metro
One of the most striking experiments is the one conducted by the Washington Post in 2007. This investigation delved into the perception of beauty and the value of artistic talent in a highly unexpected setting. The experiment, held at the METRO subway station in Washington DC, demonstrated the stark contrast between the value placed by a culture on artistic performance and the concrete reality of people's interactions with it.
Experiment Details: The musician in question was none other than Joshua Bell, a Grammy-winning artist known for his exceptional skills. He was playing one of the most intricate musical pieces, accompanied by a violin worth $3.5 million. The experiment aimed to observe how pedestrians would respond to such talent when it was unexpectedly presented in a commonplace environment.
Over a span of 45 minutes, with the performance continuing uninterrupted, the results were startling. Only six passersby stopped to listen and engage with the music. Another 20 gave him some money but continued their normal pace without further interaction. The total amount collected was only $32, a mere fraction of a ticket price for a theater performance.
The experiment shed light on societal values and the mundane nature of our everyday lives. It highlighted how easily people can miss out on experiences of potentially great value, simply because they are not in the right context or moment. This study is a testament to the power of perception and the value we often place on environments and events, rather than on the individuals or artifacts themselves.
Kinesthetic Learning: The Bobo Doll Study
Another pivotal study is the Bobo doll experiment conducted by Albert Bandura. This experiment aimed to demonstrate the influence of observation on aggressive behavior. Bandura's study, carried out in 1961, established that children can learn and adopt aggressive behaviors through observation rather than direct experience.
The Experiment: In the study, Bandura allowed children to observe an adult model engaging in either aggressive (e.g., hitting a Bobo doll) or non-aggressive behavior. After the observation period, the children were given the same opportunity to play with the Bobo doll themselves. Those who had observed the aggressive model were more likely to replicate the aggressive actions, while the non-aggressive model group mirrored more gentle behavior.
This study is not only influential but also holds lasting relevance. It provides insights into the development of behaviors and attitudes in children, and it continues to inform our understanding of the role of modeling in learning.
Authority and Obedience: Milgram’s Obedience Study
A third notable experiment is the obedience study conducted by Stanley Milgram at Yale University. Milgram's experiment aimed to explore how people comply with perceived authority figures, even when it conflicts with their own moral judgment.
The Experiment: In the study, participants were asked to administer electric shocks to another person (an actor) for incorrect answers. Despite knowing about the shocks, participants continued to increase the voltage based on the instructions of the authority figure, often against their will.
The results were shocking, with over 65% of participants continuing the experiment even to the maximum shocks. This study brought to light the profound influence of authority and the deceptiveness of perceived dictates, highlighting the complex interplay between individual conscience and external authority.
Conclusion: These studies, while differing in their objectives and methodologies, share a common thread: they probe the depths of human behavior under various conditions. Whether it's through the unexpected beauty in a subway station, the observation of aggression, or the influence of authority, these studies continue to offer valuable insights into the human psyche and the factors that shape our behavior.