Lytle 2
What I Say Versus What I Do
Studies in social psychology reveal that people's behavior in certain situations may differ
from what they claim they would do when asked about it. Researchers have conducted
numerous studies on social behaviors like obedience, conformity, helping, and bystander
behavior to understand this phenomenon. These studies demonstrate that an individual’s
behavior is often influenced by situational factors, leading them to act in ways that are contrary
to their stated beliefs and values. One example of this phenomenon is the Milgram experiment,
which involved participants delivering electric shocks to a confederate when they answered
questions incorrectly (George, 2020). Despite the confederate's screams of pain, many
participants continued to deliver shocks at the experimenter's insistence, revealing the power of
situational pressure in determining behavior.
The discrepancy between what individuals think they would do and their actual behavior
is important to research in social psychology and the use of self-report measures in studies. Self-
report measures rely on individuals' reports of their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, and are
often used to gain insight into various psychological phenomena. However, the disconnect
between what people say they would do and what they do indicates that self-report measures
may not always provide accurate information. To address this issue, researchers have developed
alternative methods for assessing behavior, such as observational studies, physiological
measures, and experimental manipulations. These methods provide more reliable indicators of
individuals' actual behavior, allowing researchers to gain a more accurate understanding of social
phenomena.
From a biblical perspective, the discrepancy between what we think we would do and
what we do can be explained by the concept of sin. Sin is the inherent human condition of
Lytle 3
falling short of God's perfect standard. This condition affects every aspect of human nature,
including our thoughts, attitudes, and behavior. In this sense, the disconnect between what we
think we would do and what we do may be understood as a result of our fallen human nature.
While we may desire to act in ways that align with our beliefs and values, we are also susceptible
to the influence of situational factors and the temptation to sin. Therefore, individuals need to
rely on God's grace and guidance to overcome these influences and act in accordance with their
beliefs and values.
In conclusion, studies in social psychology demonstrate that people's behavior in certain
situations may differ from what they claim they would do when asked about it. This discrepancy
has important implications for research in social psychology and the use of self-report measures.
From a biblical perspective, the discrepancy between what we think we would do and what we
do may be explained by the concept of sin, highlighting the need for reliance on God's grace and
guidance in overcoming situational influences and temptation.
