Social Unit

Asch: Conformity was notably studied by Solomon Asch in the Asch Line Experiments. In these

experiments, participants shown a series of lines were asked to identify which line matched the

length of a sample line. However, the participants were surrounded by confederates (people

who were in on the study) who purposely gave incorrect answers.

Milgram: Milgram shock experiments assigned participants to the role of "teacher,” in which they were instructed to administer electric shocks to a "learner" whenever the learner answered questions incorrectly.

Zimbrado: Stanford prison experiment run by Philip Zimbardo. A group of volunteers

from the public was randomly split into “prisoners” and “guards.” Zimbardo reported that in as

little as a few days, “guards” participated in sadistic and brutal behavior toward “prisoners,”

and the experiment was halted on the sixth day. Due to the short duration, lack of controls, and

questionable ethics, the conclusions of the study are highly in doubt, but many see it as

evidence that individuals will quickly conform to “roles” expected by a group, even if those

roles conflict with their normal morals and behaviors.

Bandura: Demonstrated children’s capacity for observational (social) learning. Bandura’s research showed the importance of observed experience on child development.

Festinger

Group Think: Desire for Harmony outweighs being individually correct 

Group Polarization: Enhances groups prevailing attitudes through discussion and strengthens prevailing opinions

Prejudice

Altruism: Helping for the sake of Helping

Aggression: Frustration Aggression Principle

Love

Proximity

Reciprocity

Mere Exposure Effect

Similar

Love Triangle