This unique DVD features three feature films from the 1940s, each one showing a different angle of psychological testing on both adults and children.
Included Films:
Growth Study of Johnny and Jimmy
Growth Study of Johnny and Jimmy
Produced: 1940
Length: 39 Minutes
An incredible scientific and psychological relic, Growth Study of Johnny and Jimmy is a detailed account of an experiment on human babies that would never be permitted today. Two twin infants, little Johnny and Jimmy, are treated differently at birth: Jimmy is mostly kept in his crib while Johnny is exercised regularly. The moral implications of such experimentation were clearly underdeveloped, but the document that was produced remains an engrossing subject. The progress of the children in varying respects is followed through from when the children were newborns all the way to 25 months! On clearly shaky moral ground, the films results are amazing but also saddening as no viewer can not feel sorry for Jimmy. Growth Study of Johnny and Jimmy is an important film to view lest the callousness of the past repeat itself.
Judging Emotional Behavior
Judging Emotional Behavior
Produced: 1940
Length: 23 Minutes
A fascinating historical take on psychology, Judging Emotional Behavior is also a snapshot of 1940s educational moviemaking. Both psychology and educational films were still in their infancy when this film was made, and witnessing this early step in development is illuminating. Taking direct advantage of the different dynamics made available by video, two people are read a story but the audience cant heard it. The audience is only given the facial expressions of the people to try and guess about the content of the tale being told. The actors involved are typical of the 1940s, displaying a flamboyant and somewhat exaggerated use of expressions. The simplicity of the experiment and filmmaking speak volumes about psychology, education, and movies from this interesting time in American history.
Experimental Studies in the Social Climates of Groups
Experimental Studies in the Social Climates of Groups
Produced: 1940
Length: 41 Minutes
This 1940s psychological experiment video is neat test of childrens behavior with authority figures. Since this is a silent film, the experiment was designed to focus on the physically determinable actions and responses of the youths involved. The setup is this: three different groups of children are each exposed to three different authority figures, and then made to perform tasks. The authority figures are a strict authoritarian, a laissez-faire hands-off figure, and a more democratic all-for-one figure. The childrens responses are consistently interesting and the experiment proves meritorious. This film is a wonderful example of the history of psychological study on youth groups.
