Psychology
Ethnomethodology and the Breaching Experiments of Harold Garfinkel
Quick fact
In Garfinkel's breaching experiments, students who acted as if they were boarders in their own homes were met with confusion, anger, and accusations of rudeness—demonstrating how deeply we rely on unspoken expectations.
Why this is interesting
Imagine asking a friend, 'How are you?' and they respond with a minute-by-minute breakdown of their digestive health. Suddenly, you're not sure how to respond. Why does such a simple exchange feel so awkward?