The Psychology of Conformity

This course delves into the psychology of conformity and obedience by examining groundbreaking psychological experiments that reveal the power of social pressure and authority over individual behaviour. Through the studies of Solomon Asch, Stanley Milgram, and the Stanford Prison Experiment, students will explore how ordinary individuals can be influenced to commit extraordinary actions, often against their personal values or ethical standards. These experiments offer crucial insights into why seemingly "normal" citizens, such as German soldiers during the Holocaust, were able to participate in atrocities. Students will engage in a critical examination of: - Solomon Asch's Conformity Experiment: Exploring group dynamics and the influence of majority opinion on individual judgment. - Stanley Milgram's Obedience Study: Investigating how authority figures can compel people to perform harmful actions. - The Stanford Prison Experiment: Analysing the impact of situational factors and assigned roles on behaviour and identity. By connecting these experiments to historical events, students will develop a deeper understanding of human susceptibility to conformity and obedience, as well as the ethical implications of such behaviour in modern society. Key Topics: - Theories of Social Conformity and Obedience - Authority, Morality, and Personal Responsibility - Psychological Mechanisms Behind Mass Atrocities - Ethical Lessons from Classic Psychological Experiments - Modern Applications of Conformity and Resistance This course emphasizes critical reflection, ethical considerations, and applying psychological principles to both historical and contemporary contexts.