The Psychology of Obedience: Why We Comply

Lessons from the Stanford Prison Experiment That Shocked America

De: J. Andrew Burkey

Narrado por: William Stevens

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 Burkey

A chilling look into human nature

This audiobook is a gripping deep dive into the infamous Stanford Prison Experiment. The narration is clear and engaging, making the shocking events feel all too real. The psychological insights are both fascinating and unsettling, showing just how easily people conform to authority. A must-listen for anyone interested in psychology, ethics, or human behavior!

Eye-opening and chilling

This book does an incredible job of dissecting the Stanford Prison Experiment, revealing the shocking ease with which ordinary people conform to roles of power and submission. The analysis goes beyond just retelling the events—it explores the psychological forces behind them. The narrator delivers the content with the perfect balance of intrigue and clarity. Highly recommended for psychology enthusiasts!

A must-listen

The Psychology of Obedience takes a deep and critical look at one of the most controversial studies in history. It not only explains what happened but also why it happened and what we can learn from it today. The ethical questions it raises are more relevant than ever. The narration keeps the content engaging and easy to absorb.

Compelling and thought-provoking

The Psychology of Obedience – Why We Comply sheds light on one of the most controversial studies in psychology and its enduring relevance today. This audiobook is a fascinating journey into the hidden forces that shape human behaviour. This book masterfully unpacks the Stanford Prison Experiment, offering an in-depth analysis of the chilling dynamics of authority, obedience, and morality. It’s an essential read for anyone curious about the complex interplay of power and human nature.

Disturbing yet eye-opening

The Psychology of Obedience unpacks one of the most controversial psychology experiments in history. The storytelling is immersive, and the lessons drawn from the experiment are still relevant today. It’s a stark reminder of how power can corrupt and why we must be aware of authority’s influence on our actions. Highly recommended!