1
What I Say Verus What I Do
T. Shawn Jones
Department of Psychology, Liberty University
PSYC 101: General Psychology
B17_202540
Professor Toliver
06 SEP 25
2
What I Say Verus What I Do
Introduction
In difficult situations, people often think that they would act with courage, honesty, or
with compassion. However, according to social psychology there is certainly a gap in between
what a person says they would do and what their actions truly are when the situation arises.
Studies on obedience, conformity, and the bystander effect show that our behaviors are shaped
not just by personal values, but by what is going on around us. Recognizing this gap is important
in behavioral psychology, and from a biblical perspective, it shows the truth about human nature
and our dependence on the Word of God.
What Studies Show About Behavior
Studies in social psychology show that predicted behavior rarely matches up with
people’s predicted behavior. In Milgram’s obedience study, participants thought they would
refuse to harm others; however, the majority followed the perceived authority figures orders to
deliver what they were told were harmful electric shocks to other participants (George et al.,
2023, p. 120). Similarly, Asch’s conformity experiments proved that most individuals often gave
incorrect answers so that they would not be different from the group, despite knowing the
correct answers (George et al., 2023, p. 120). The Bystander Effect study followed a brutal
murder in New York City where a woman was killed for 30 minutes, and no one intervened. The
study conducted a series of experiments where many people claimed they would step in and
help in an emergency, however when tested in a group setting, participants frequently failed to
act due to a diffusion of responsibility (George et al., 2023, p. 128). These examples show that
while individuals may have confidence in what they say their values are, peer pressure and
situational conditions have a strong influence on what they actually do.
Why This Matters for Research
The difference between what people think they would do versus what they actually do
has important implications for psychological research. Self-reporting tools, primarily surveys and
interviews, rely on how people think they would react in a given situation, however when put
into a real scenario their reactions are influenced by social pressures and how they want to be
seen. As a result, often times what people say in self-reports may not accurately reflect their
behaviors in real life. For example, though many say they would resist authority if they were told
to harm someone, Milgram’s study showed most participants complied when they were told to
by administrators to disperse with electric shocks (George et al., 2023, p. 120). Similarly, while
people claim they would step in during an emergency, research on the Bystander Effect shows
that many remain passive when others are present (George et al., 2023, p. 128). To account for
this, researchers use a variety of controlled experiments and observational studies to see what
people do, rather than just what they say.
A Biblical Perspective
From a biblical perspective, the disparity between intent and action shows the reality of
our human weakness and sin. The Apostle Paul captures this in Romans 7:15, where he writes,
“For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate” (The Holy Bible, New International
Version, 1973/2011). The Bible teaches that while humans may have a desire to do good, we
3
often come up short because of the fallen nature of the world and the people in it. In Romans
12:2 we are told to, "not conform to the world, but to be transferred by the renewing of the
mind," (The Holy Bible, New International Version, 1973/2011), telling us that only through the
grace of God can we make our actions align with His values. James 1:22 tells us to not to just be
hearers of the word, but to do what it says (The Holy Bible, New International Version,
1973/2011). The Bible teaches this inconsistency is part of our fallen nature but shows us that
God’s grace is the solution to living with integrity.
Conclusion
Social psychology research shows that while we may think we will act a certain way
under pressure, often times this is not the case. These implications are important to the way
psychologists design studies and interpret self-report data. Experiments frequently reveal truths
about our behavior that people do not reveal in surveys. Biblically, this gap reflects the sinful
nature of humanity and the constant struggle between what we say and what we do.
Fortunately, the Word of God gives us hope, teaching that through His grace, people can more
consistently turn what they believe into how they act. Psychology and the Bible shed light on
human behavior and guide us toward personal growth and integrity.
References
George, S., Kelley, B., & Piferi, R. (2023). Introduction to psychology from a Christian worldview
(2nd ed.). Kendall Hunt. https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/books/9798765736036
The Holy Bible, New International Version Bible. (1973, 2011). YouVersion [Mobile app].
https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app/
