
The Psychology of Obedience: Why We Comply
Lessons from the Stanford Prison Experiment That Shocked America
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Narrated by:
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William Stevens
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By:
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J. Andrew Burkey
About this listen
In the summer of 1971, a psychology study at Stanford University morphed into a chilling demonstration of human behavior under the pressures of authority and submission. The Stanford Prison Experiment (SPE), led by psychologist Dr. Philip Zimbardo, aimed to explore the psychological effects of power and control in a simulated prison. What began as a planned two-week study unraveled in just six days, as participants—ordinary college students randomly assigned as 'guards' or 'prisoners'—descended into extreme and often disturbing behaviors.
Zimbardo transformed the psychology department’s basement into a convincing mock prison. Cells with barred doors housed three prisoners each, while a solitary confinement room—ominously labeled “The Hole”—served as punishment for disobedience.
The experiment was meticulously designed to simulate prison life. Advertisements in local newspapers recruited 24 healthy, psychologically stable male college students from a pool of over 70 applicants.
*The Psychology of Obedience–Why We Comply* delves into the Stanford Prison Experiment, examining its inception, disturbing trajectory, and lasting impact on psychology and ethics. Through a critical lens, it explores the psychological and social forces that made the SPE possible and its enduring lessons about the dangers of unchecked power, the complexity of human behavior, and the ethical responsibilities of scientific inquiry.
©2024 J. Andrew Burkey (P)2025 J. Andrew BurkeyListener received this title free
Eye-opening and chilling
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A chilling look into human nature
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A must-listen
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Compelling and thought-provoking
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More relevant than ever
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A fascinating deep dive
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The author’s clear and thought-provoking exploration of the psychological and social forces behind the experiment left me reflecting on my own actions and how these dynamics still play out today—in workplaces, communities, and society at large. It’s hard not to wonder: under similar pressures, how would I respond?
This is more than an audiobook; it’s an introspective journey into the complexities of human nature. I highly recommend it to anyone curious about authority, morality, and what it truly means to be human. A must-listen for those seeking to better understand the fragility of our character.
Shocking Insights into Human Behavior
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Mind-blowing and thought-provoking
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Engaging and educational
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Thought-provoking and well-researched
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