Search
TED Talks: The Psychology of Evil
Details
Activity Description
Philip Zimbardo is a well-known professor of psychology at Stanford University and has created a series of videos , on different psychological topics. Be sure to check out other videos found on his YouTube channel.
Preparation
- Check to be sure the site is not blocked at your school and that your speakers are loud enough to be heard by all students.
- Preview the video.
- Jot down a few questions to help start the discussion.
How-To
- Start with a discussion of some of the events in the news. Pick one horrific event and ask why, and how could a person do those things.
- Introduce the video and warn students of the graphic nature of the photos.
- Play the video and fast forward through the photos if needed.
- Ask students for their response to the video. Is it true? Do they agree? Use your discussion questions to expand the discussion.
- Ask students to share their thoughts about the video in an essay. Do they agree with Dr. Zimbardo’s premise that heroes are ordinary people whose social action is extra-ordinary, who act when others are passive? Students need to include details from the video or life to defend their position. Are they a hero in waiting?
- Be sure to give students time to brainstorm and develop their essays.
- Share some of the ideas from the essays in a concluding discussion.
More Ways
More psychology resources can be found on Mourer's AP Psych Web site . , which includes videos, and vocabulary flashcards and quizzes. The site is designed for students studying for the AP Psychology exam.
Program Areas
- ASE: High School Diploma
- ABE: Adult Basic Education
Levels
- All Levels
Documents
- TED Talks The Psychology of Evil.png - Screenshot of Ed Talks The Psychology of Evil page
Subjects
- English Language Arts
- Literature
- Language Arts - Reading
- Analysis
- Reading
- Critical Thinking/Decision Making
- Social Studies
- Psychology
Standards
- Reading
- CCR Anchor 10 - Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.
- Writing
- CCR Anchor 1 - Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
- CCR Anchor 2 - Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
- Speaking and Listening
- CCR Anchor 4 - Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
- Language
- CCR Anchor 1 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
- CCR Anchor 2 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.