Research, Writing, and Rhetoric Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

, Writing, and Rhetoric - Research Paper Example An experiment conducted by Stanley Migram proved the notion that what is considered ordinary, normal, stable, and decent people who got considered as non-violent or non-radical in their behavior could and did certain irrational actions under certain conditions (Fiske, Gilbert & Lindzey 1172). This experiment proved that situation over individual traits had more of a determining factor on human action. The experiment got designed to test if people were more submissive to obedience as a result of an authoritative power. The experiment demonstrated the dangers of obedience. It determined that situational variables provide a stronger sway on determining obedience than personality factors. Milgram showed that honest, decent and rational people could commit atrocities when caused to do so by an authoritative power. Well behaved people could not refrain from committing atrocities because of the situation or role they got asked to perform by a higher authority. Experiments conducted by Solomon Asch also showed that situations have more influence on human behavior than character or personality (Fiske, Gilbert & Lindzey 1172). Asch showed that a majority of people want to fit in than they desire to do the right thing. Asch through his experiments showed that people would do the wrong thing even if it means that they get hurt. People are afraid to undertake personal decisions and are quick to lay blame on circumstances rather than their personal flaws when things go wrong. Asch’s experiments show how an individual’s opinions get influenced by the decisions of a majority. His experiments demonstrated the power of social pressure. When people believe that the majority is right and they do not want to be seen as opposing to them, they are likely to agree with their decisions even if they are wrong. Here, the person overlooks his or her personal traits to appease the views of a majority even if they are wrong. Asch’s tests we re a further