Psych

Yesterday in my management class we watched a short clip on YouTube, a series of experiments with an elevator. Basically, a group of people associated with the experiment would get on with one subject. Typically, they would stand facing the back of the elevator, and within seconds the subject would turn and face the back wall.

In the funniest clip, the group changed facing, took off their hats, then put their hats back on, and the subject did the same. It was uncanny. With all of the subjects, there was an initial moment of confusion, a squinting of the eyebrow, but they all followed the lead.

This was all by way of supporting our study of groups and culture and conformity. It was interesting to me, for with my background, I've always been the subject, looking around me, trying to determine the correct and appropriate behavior.

You're Telling Me Now?

Here are some interesting - and very telling - stats from an article in hte NYT today about Michigan's reaction to the proposed auto industry bailout:


"The unemployment rate is 9.3 percent — tied with Rhode Island’s for the highest in the country — and the safety net of social services is stretched beyond ability to care for all of those in need. The total of Michigan residents who receive some form of public assistance, like food stamps or home heating credits, is now 1.82 million, or close to 20 percent of the population, a record for the state."