power of the situation

a basic premise of social psychology that assumes people’s thoughts, actions, and emotions are influenced substantially by the social setting. For example, the responses of participants in the behavioral study of obedience are attributed to the power of the social situation created by researcher Stanley Milgram rather than to the dispositional characteristics of the participants. See also Stanford prison study.

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Psychology term of the day

February 25th 2025

essential tremor

trembling of the hands, head, or voice that appears to be hereditary. It is the most common type of movement disorder and is thought to be a benign condition, although its etiology and neurological substrates remain unclear. Also called familial tremor.