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 BurkeyRelated to this topic
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What listeners say about The Psychology of Obedience: Why We Comply
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- Luis Reichel
- 01-27-25
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!
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- Jaden Jenkins
- 01-27-25
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!
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- Kory Dach
- 02-01-25
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!
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- Arnaldo Hagenes
- 02-01-25
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.
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- J.Bite
- 01-24-25
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.
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- Tianna
- 02-01-25
A fascinating deep dive
This audiobook provides a gripping analysis of the Stanford Prison Experiment and its implications. It’s both unsettling and thought-provoking, making you question how authority and power shape behavior. The narration is engaging, keeping you hooked from start to finish. A must-listen for anyone interested in psychology, ethics, or human nature.
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- Aditya Grant
- 02-02-25
More relevant than ever
This audiobook is both a history lesson and a warning about the dangers of unchecked authority. The breakdown of the Stanford Prison Experiment is detailed and insightful, showing how quickly human behavior can change under specific conditions. The lessons from this book apply to leadership, workplaces, and even modern society. A gripping and educational listen!
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- Amaya Reinger
- 01-27-25
Mind-blowing and thought-provoking
This audiobook doesn’t just recount history—it makes you question your own behavior. The way it explains obedience, authority, and the ethics of psychological experiments is truly insightful. If you’ve ever wondered how far people will go when placed in positions of power, this is the perfect listen.
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- James Kiely
- 01-25-25
Shocking Insights into Human Behavior
This audiobook was not just informative—it was a wake-up call to how flawed we are as humanity. It’s shocking to realize how quickly people, myself included, might change when given a taste of authority. Listening to the retelling of the Stanford Prison Experiment felt deeply unsettling yet profoundly necessary. It vividly exposes the dark side of power and compliance, showing how ordinary individuals can adopt extreme behaviors when placed in the right (or wrong) circumstances.
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.
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- Rex Hane
- 01-28-25
A must-listen for Psychology enthusiasts
If you’re fascinated by human psychology and social influence, this audiobook is for you. It explains complex ideas in a compelling way and keeps you hooked from start to finish. The ethical discussions are particularly interesting, making this not just a history lesson but a reflection on modern society. Absolutely worth your time!
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