This is an experiment where a group of people are asked to identify the color of two pyramids, black and white. However, all the participants, except one, are actors who are instructed to say that both pyramids are white. The goal is to see how the lone participant will react and whether they will conform to the group's opinion.
The experiment is inspired by a similar test conducted in the Soviet Union 50 years ago, which showed how people can be influenced by the opinions of others. The participants are first distracted with various tests and questions, and then shown the pyramids.
Despite the fact that the pyramids are clearly one black and one white, all the actors say that they are both white. The lone participant is then asked to identify the color of the pyramids, and surprisingly, they also say that both pyramids are white.
The experiment shows how people can be influenced by the opinions of others, even when it goes against their own perceptions. The host of the experiment notes that people often want to fit in and avoid being alone, which can lead them to conform to the opinions of others, even if it means giving up their own beliefs.
The experiment raises questions about the power of social influence and how it can affect our perceptions and decisions. It also highlights the importance of thinking critically and trusting our own eyes, rather than blindly following the opinions of others.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The experiment was conducted in the Soviet Union 50 years ago.
2. The experiment involved showing participants five photographs and asking if they were of the same person or different people.
3. The experiment was repeated with a group of students.
4. The participants were shown two pyramids, black and white, and asked to identify their colors.
5. All participants, except one, were fakes who had agreed to pretend that both pyramids were white.
6. The test subject was not aware of the true nature of the experiment.
7. The participants were given a series of tests and distractions to divert their attention.
8. The experiment was conducted to test the suggestibility of the participants.
9. The participants were asked to identify the colors of the pyramids, and most agreed that they were both white.
10. The true colors of the pyramids were not revealed in the text.
11. The experiment was conducted to see how people would behave when they were left alone in the corridor.
12. The participants were given a questionnaire and asked to circle numbers from 1 to 25.
13. The experiment was conducted to test the participants' ability to think independently.
14. The participants were shown a series of images and asked to identify the colors.
15. The participants were asked to pick up the black pyramid, but some were hesitant to do so.
16. The experiment was conducted to see how people would react when they were told that everyone else thought the pyramid was white.
17. The participants were asked to explain why they thought the pyramid was white.
18. The experiment was conducted to test the participants' suggestibility and ability to think independently.
19. The participants were given a final test to identify the colors of the pyramids.
20. The experiment was conducted to see how people would behave when they were given conflicting information.