1.4: Philip Zimbardo (1973)

Question 1

Describe and evaluate the procedure of Zimbardo’s research into social roles (16 marks)/Discuss research into conformity to social roles (16 marks).

Answer 1

The sample in Zimbardo’s research into social roles was 24 US male student volunteers, who were randomly assigned the role of prisoner or guard​

Question 2

Describe and evaluate the procedure of Zimbardo’s research into social roles (16 marks)/Discuss research into conformity to social roles (16 marks).
The sample in Zimbardo’s research into social roles was 24 US male student volunteers, who were randomly assigned the role of prisoner or guard.
What happened to the prisoners?

Answer 2

The prisoners were unexpectedly arrested at home, then were deloused and given the prison uniform and an ID number​

Question 3

Describe and evaluate the procedure of Zimbardo’s research into social roles (16 marks)/Discuss research into conformity to social roles (16 marks).
The sample in Zimbardo’s research into social roles was 24 US male student volunteers, who were randomly assigned the role of prisoner or guard.
The prisoners were unexpectedly arrested at home, then were deloused and given the prison uniform and an ID number.
What were the prisoners also given?

Answer 3

The prisoners were also given some rights​

Question 4

Describe and evaluate the procedure of Zimbardo’s research into social roles (16 marks)/Discuss research into conformity to social roles (16 marks).
The sample in Zimbardo’s research into social roles was 24 US male student volunteers, who were randomly assigned the role of prisoner or guard.
The prisoners were unexpectedly arrested at home, then were deloused and given the prison uniform and an ID number.
The prisoners were also given some rights, for example what?

Answer 4

The prisoners were also given some rights, for example:

1. 3 meals
2. 3 supervised toilet trips a day
3. 2 visits per week​

Question 5

Describe and evaluate the procedure of Zimbardo’s research into social roles (16 marks)/Discuss research into conformity to social roles (16 marks).
The sample in Zimbardo’s research into social roles was 24 US male student volunteers, who were randomly assigned the role of prisoner or guard.
The prisoners were unexpectedly arrested at home, then were deloused and given the prison uniform and an ID number.
The prisoners were also given some rights, for example 3 meals, 3 supervised toilet trips a day and 2 visits per week.
What happened to the guards?

Answer 5

The guards were given uniforms, clubs, whistles and wore reflective sunglasses​

Question 6

Describe and evaluate the procedure of Zimbardo’s research into social roles (16 marks)/Discuss research into conformity to social roles (16 marks).
The sample in Zimbardo’s research into social roles was 24 US male student volunteers, who were randomly assigned the role of prisoner or guard.
The prisoners were unexpectedly arrested at home, then were deloused and given the prison uniform and an ID number.
The prisoners were also given some rights, for example 3 meals, 3 supervised toilet trips a day and 2 visits per week.
The guards were given uniforms, clubs, whistles and wore reflective sunglasses.
What did Zimbardo take the role of?

Answer 6

Zimbardo took the role of prison superintendent​

Question 7

Describe and evaluate the procedure of Zimbardo’s research into social roles (16 marks)/Discuss research into conformity to social roles (16 marks).
The sample in Zimbardo’s research into social roles was 24 US male student volunteers, who were randomly assigned the role of prisoner or guard.
The prisoners were unexpectedly arrested at home, then were deloused and given the prison uniform and an ID number.
The prisoners were also given some rights, for example 3 meals, 3 supervised toilet trips a day and 2 visits per week.
The guards were given uniforms, clubs, whistles and wore reflective sunglasses.
Zimbardo took the role of prison superintendent.
What was the planned duration of the prison simulation study?

Answer 7

The planned duration of the prison simulation study was 2 weeks​

Question 8

Describe and evaluate the procedure of Zimbardo’s research into social roles (16 marks)/Discuss research into conformity to social roles (16 marks).
The sample in Zimbardo’s research into social roles was 24 US male student volunteers, who were randomly assigned the role of prisoner or guard.
The prisoners were unexpectedly arrested at home, then were deloused and given the prison uniform and an ID number.
The prisoners were also given some rights, for example 3 meals, 3 supervised toilet trips a day and 2 visits per week.
The guards were given uniforms, clubs, whistles and wore reflective sunglasses.
Zimbardo took the role of prison superintendent.
The planned duration of the prison simulation study was 2 weeks, but when was it stopped?

Answer 8

The planned duration of the prison simulation study was 2 weeks, but it was stopped after 6 days​

Question 9

Describe and evaluate the procedure of Zimbardo’s research into social roles (16 marks)/Discuss research into conformity to social roles (16 marks).
The sample in Zimbardo’s research into social roles was 24 US male student volunteers, who were randomly assigned the role of prisoner or guard.
The prisoners were unexpectedly arrested at home, then were deloused and given the prison uniform and an ID number.
The prisoners were also given some rights, for example 3 meals, 3 supervised toilet trips a day and 2 visits per week.
The guards were given uniforms, clubs, whistles and wore reflective sunglasses.
Zimbardo took the role of prison superintendent.
The planned duration of the prison simulation study was 2 weeks, but it was stopped after 6 days.

What did Zimbardo find?

Answer 9

Zimbardo found that both the prisoners and guards quickly identified with their social roles

Question 10

Describe and evaluate the procedure of Zimbardo’s research into social roles (16 marks)/Discuss research into conformity to social roles (16 marks).
The sample in Zimbardo’s research into social roles was 24 US male student volunteers, who were randomly assigned the role of prisoner or guard.
The prisoners were unexpectedly arrested at home, then were deloused and given the prison uniform and an ID number.
The prisoners were also given some rights, for example 3 meals, 3 supervised toilet trips a day and 2 visits per week.
The guards were given uniforms, clubs, whistles and wore reflective sunglasses.
Zimbardo took the role of prison superintendent.
The planned duration of the prison simulation study was 2 weeks, but it was stopped after 6 days.

Zimbardo found that both the prisoners and guards quickly identified with their social roles.
Within days

Answer 10

Within days the prisoners rebelled, but this was quickly crushed by the guards, who then grew increasingly abusive towards the prisoners

Question 11

Describe and evaluate the procedure of Zimbardo’s research into social roles (16 marks)/Discuss research into conformity to social roles (16 marks).
The sample in Zimbardo’s research into social roles was 24 US male student volunteers, who were randomly assigned the role of prisoner or guard.
The prisoners were unexpectedly arrested at home, then were deloused and given the prison uniform and an ID number.
The prisoners were also given some rights, for example 3 meals, 3 supervised toilet trips a day and 2 visits per week.
The guards were given uniforms, clubs, whistles and wore reflective sunglasses.
Zimbardo took the role of prison superintendent.
The planned duration of the prison simulation study was 2 weeks, but it was stopped after 6 days.

Zimbardo found that both the prisoners and guards quickly identified with their social roles.
Within days the prisoners rebelled, but this was quickly crushed by the guards, who then grew increasingly abusive towards the prisoners.
What did the guards do?

Answer 11

The guards dehumanised the prisoners, waking them during the night and forcing them to clean toilets with their bare hands

Question 12

Describe and evaluate the procedure of Zimbardo’s research into social roles (16 marks)/Discuss research into conformity to social roles (16 marks).
The sample in Zimbardo’s research into social roles was 24 US male student volunteers, who were randomly assigned the role of prisoner or guard.
The prisoners were unexpectedly arrested at home, then were deloused and given the prison uniform and an ID number.
The prisoners were also given some rights, for example 3 meals, 3 supervised toilet trips a day and 2 visits per week.
The guards were given uniforms, clubs, whistles and wore reflective sunglasses.
Zimbardo took the role of prison superintendent.
The planned duration of the prison simulation study was 2 weeks, but it was stopped after 6 days.

Zimbardo found that both the prisoners and guards quickly identified with their social roles.
Within days the prisoners rebelled, but this was quickly crushed by the guards, who then grew increasingly abusive towards the prisoners.
The guards dehumanised the prisoners, waking them during the night and forcing them to clean toilets with their bare hands.
What did the prisoners do?

Answer 12

The prisoners became increasingly submissive, identifying further with their subordinate role

Question 13

Describe and evaluate the procedure of Zimbardo’s research into social roles (16 marks)/Discuss research into conformity to social roles (16 marks).
The sample in Zimbardo’s research into social roles was 24 US male student volunteers, who were randomly assigned the role of prisoner or guard.
The prisoners were unexpectedly arrested at home, then were deloused and given the prison uniform and an ID number.
The prisoners were also given some rights, for example 3 meals, 3 supervised toilet trips a day and 2 visits per week.
The guards were given uniforms, clubs, whistles and wore reflective sunglasses.
Zimbardo took the role of prison superintendent.
The planned duration of the prison simulation study was 2 weeks, but it was stopped after 6 days.

Zimbardo found that both the prisoners and guards quickly identified with their social roles.
Within days the prisoners rebelled, but this was quickly crushed by the guards, who then grew increasingly abusive towards the prisoners.
The guards dehumanised the prisoners, waking them during the night and forcing them to clean toilets with their bare hands.
The prisoners became increasingly submissive, identifying further with their subordinate role.

First AO3 PEEL paragraph

Answer 13

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that Zimbardo’s study was a laboratory experiment and therefore, a strength of the study is that there was a high degree of control

Question 14

Describe and evaluate the procedure of Zimbardo’s research into social roles (16 marks)/Discuss research into conformity to social roles (16 marks).
The sample in Zimbardo’s research into social roles was 24 US male student volunteers, who were randomly assigned the role of prisoner or guard.
The prisoners were unexpectedly arrested at home, then were deloused and given the prison uniform and an ID number.
The prisoners were also given some rights, for example 3 meals, 3 supervised toilet trips a day and 2 visits per week.
The guards were given uniforms, clubs, whistles and wore reflective sunglasses.
Zimbardo took the role of prison superintendent.
The planned duration of the prison simulation study was 2 weeks, but it was stopped after 6 days.

Zimbardo found that both the prisoners and guards quickly identified with their social roles.
Within days the prisoners rebelled, but this was quickly crushed by the guards, who then grew increasingly abusive towards the prisoners.
The guards dehumanised the prisoners, waking them during the night and forcing them to clean toilets with their bare hands.
The prisoners became increasingly submissive, identifying further with their subordinate role.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that Zimbardo’s study was a laboratory experiment and therefore, a strength of the study is that there was a high degree of control.
Example

Answer 14

For example, Zimbardo was able to control many aspects of the study in terms of the prisoners being arrested in their homes and the selection of participants, as only the most physically and mentally stable, mature and free from anti-social and criminal tendencies males were chosen and randomly assigned to the roles of guard or prisoner

Question 15

Describe and evaluate the procedure of Zimbardo’s research into social roles (16 marks)/Discuss research into conformity to social roles (16 marks).
The sample in Zimbardo’s research into social roles was 24 US male student volunteers, who were randomly assigned the role of prisoner or guard.
The prisoners were unexpectedly arrested at home, then were deloused and given the prison uniform and an ID number.
The prisoners were also given some rights, for example 3 meals, 3 supervised toilet trips a day and 2 visits per week.
The guards were given uniforms, clubs, whistles and wore reflective sunglasses.
Zimbardo took the role of prison superintendent.
The planned duration of the prison simulation study was 2 weeks, but it was stopped after 6 days.

Zimbardo found that both the prisoners and guards quickly identified with their social roles.
Within days the prisoners rebelled, but this was quickly crushed by the guards, who then grew increasingly abusive towards the prisoners.
The guards dehumanised the prisoners, waking them during the night and forcing them to clean toilets with their bare hands.
The prisoners became increasingly submissive, identifying further with their subordinate role.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that Zimbardo’s study was a laboratory experiment and therefore, a strength of the study is that there was a high degree of control.
For example, Zimbardo was able to control many aspects of the study in terms of the prisoners being arrested in their homes and the selection of participants, as only the most physically and mentally stable, mature and free from anti-social and criminal tendencies males were chosen and randomly assigned to the roles of guard or prisoner.
This

Answer 15

This was one way in which the researchers tried to rule our individual personality differences as an explanation of the findings.
If guards and prisoners behaved very differently, but were in those roles only by chance, then their behaviour must have been due to the pressures of the situation

Question 16

Describe and evaluate the procedure of Zimbardo’s research into social roles (16 marks)/Discuss research into conformity to social roles (16 marks).
The sample in Zimbardo’s research into social roles was 24 US male student volunteers, who were randomly assigned the role of prisoner or guard.
The prisoners were unexpectedly arrested at home, then were deloused and given the prison uniform and an ID number.
The prisoners were also given some rights, for example 3 meals, 3 supervised toilet trips a day and 2 visits per week.
The guards were given uniforms, clubs, whistles and wore reflective sunglasses.
Zimbardo took the role of prison superintendent.
The planned duration of the prison simulation study was 2 weeks, but it was stopped after 6 days.

Zimbardo found that both the prisoners and guards quickly identified with their social roles.
Within days the prisoners rebelled, but this was quickly crushed by the guards, who then grew increasingly abusive towards the prisoners.
The guards dehumanised the prisoners, waking them during the night and forcing them to clean toilets with their bare hands.
The prisoners became increasingly submissive, identifying further with their subordinate role.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that Zimbardo’s study was a laboratory experiment and therefore, a strength of the study is that there was a high degree of control.
For example, Zimbardo was able to control many aspects of the study in terms of the prisoners being arrested in their homes and the selection of participants, as only the most physically and mentally stable, mature and free from anti-social and criminal tendencies males were chosen and randomly assigned to the roles of guard or prisoner.
This was one way in which the researchers tried to rule our individual personality differences as an explanation of the findings.
If guards and prisoners behaved very differently, but were in those roles only by chance, then their behaviour must have been due to the pressures of the situation.

Answer 16

Having such control over variables is a strength of Zimbardo’s research into conformity to social roles, because it increases the internal validity of the study, so we can more confident in drawing conclusions about the influence of roles on behaviour

Question 17

Describe and evaluate the procedure of Zimbardo’s research into social roles (16 marks)/Discuss research into conformity to social roles (16 marks).
The sample in Zimbardo’s research into social roles was 24 US male student volunteers, who were randomly assigned the role of prisoner or guard.
The prisoners were unexpectedly arrested at home, then were deloused and given the prison uniform and an ID number.
The prisoners were also given some rights, for example 3 meals, 3 supervised toilet trips a day and 2 visits per week.
The guards were given uniforms, clubs, whistles and wore reflective sunglasses.
Zimbardo took the role of prison superintendent.
The planned duration of the prison simulation study was 2 weeks, but it was stopped after 6 days.

Zimbardo found that both the prisoners and guards quickly identified with their social roles.
Within days the prisoners rebelled, but this was quickly crushed by the guards, who then grew increasingly abusive towards the prisoners.
The guards dehumanised the prisoners, waking them during the night and forcing them to clean toilets with their bare hands.
The prisoners became increasingly submissive, identifying further with their subordinate role.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that Zimbardo’s study was a laboratory experiment and therefore, a strength of the study is that there was a high degree of control.
For example, Zimbardo was able to control many aspects of the study in terms of the prisoners being arrested in their homes and the selection of participants, as only the most physically and mentally stable, mature and free from anti-social and criminal tendencies males were chosen and randomly assigned to the roles of guard or prisoner.
This was one way in which the researchers tried to rule our individual personality differences as an explanation of the findings.
If guards and prisoners behaved very differently, but were in those roles only by chance, then their behaviour must have been due to the pressures of the situation.
Having such control over variables is a strength of Zimbardo’s research into conformity to social roles, because it increases the internal validity of the study, so we can more confident in drawing conclusions about the influence of roles on behaviour.

Second AO3 PEEL paragraph

Answer 17

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, Zimbardo’s research can be criticised as lacking ecological validity

Question 18

Describe and evaluate the procedure of Zimbardo’s research into social roles (16 marks)/Discuss research into conformity to social roles (16 marks).
The sample in Zimbardo’s research into social roles was 24 US male student volunteers, who were randomly assigned the role of prisoner or guard.
The prisoners were unexpectedly arrested at home, then were deloused and given the prison uniform and an ID number.
The prisoners were also given some rights, for example 3 meals, 3 supervised toilet trips a day and 2 visits per week.
The guards were given uniforms, clubs, whistles and wore reflective sunglasses.
Zimbardo took the role of prison superintendent.
The planned duration of the prison simulation study was 2 weeks, but it was stopped after 6 days.

Zimbardo found that both the prisoners and guards quickly identified with their social roles.
Within days the prisoners rebelled, but this was quickly crushed by the guards, who then grew increasingly abusive towards the prisoners.
The guards dehumanised the prisoners, waking them during the night and forcing them to clean toilets with their bare hands.
The prisoners became increasingly submissive, identifying further with their subordinate role.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that Zimbardo’s study was a laboratory experiment and therefore, a strength of the study is that there was a high degree of control.
For example, Zimbardo was able to control many aspects of the study in terms of the prisoners being arrested in their homes and the selection of participants, as only the most physically and mentally stable, mature and free from anti-social and criminal tendencies males were chosen and randomly assigned to the roles of guard or prisoner.
This was one way in which the researchers tried to rule our individual personality differences as an explanation of the findings.
If guards and prisoners behaved very differently, but were in those roles only by chance, then their behaviour must have been due to the pressures of the situation.
Having such control over variables is a strength of Zimbardo’s research into conformity to social roles, because it increases the internal validity of the study, so we can more confident in drawing conclusions about the influence of roles on behaviour.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, Zimbardo’s research can be criticised as lacking ecological validity.
Example

Answer 18

For example, the participants were placed in an unfamiliar artificial setting and were expected to carry out an artificial task

Question 19

Describe and evaluate the procedure of Zimbardo’s research into social roles (16 marks)/Discuss research into conformity to social roles (16 marks).
The sample in Zimbardo’s research into social roles was 24 US male student volunteers, who were randomly assigned the role of prisoner or guard.
The prisoners were unexpectedly arrested at home, then were deloused and given the prison uniform and an ID number.
The prisoners were also given some rights, for example 3 meals, 3 supervised toilet trips a day and 2 visits per week.
The guards were given uniforms, clubs, whistles and wore reflective sunglasses.
Zimbardo took the role of prison superintendent.
The planned duration of the prison simulation study was 2 weeks, but it was stopped after 6 days.

Zimbardo found that both the prisoners and guards quickly identified with their social roles.
Within days the prisoners rebelled, but this was quickly crushed by the guards, who then grew increasingly abusive towards the prisoners.
The guards dehumanised the prisoners, waking them during the night and forcing them to clean toilets with their bare hands.
The prisoners became increasingly submissive, identifying further with their subordinate role.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that Zimbardo’s study was a laboratory experiment and therefore, a strength of the study is that there was a high degree of control.
For example, Zimbardo was able to control many aspects of the study in terms of the prisoners being arrested in their homes and the selection of participants, as only the most physically and mentally stable, mature and free from anti-social and criminal tendencies males were chosen and randomly assigned to the roles of guard or prisoner.
This was one way in which the researchers tried to rule our individual personality differences as an explanation of the findings.
If guards and prisoners behaved very differently, but were in those roles only by chance, then their behaviour must have been due to the pressures of the situation.
Having such control over variables is a strength of Zimbardo’s research into conformity to social roles, because it increases the internal validity of the study, so we can more confident in drawing conclusions about the influence of roles on behaviour.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, Zimbardo’s research can be criticised as lacking ecological validity.
For example, the participants were placed in an unfamiliar artificial setting and were expected to carry out an artificial task.
Also,

Answer 19

Also, making some participants ‘prisoners’ and some participants ‘guards’ introduced demand characteristics

Question 20

Describe and evaluate the procedure of Zimbardo’s research into social roles (16 marks)/Discuss research into conformity to social roles (16 marks).
The sample in Zimbardo’s research into social roles was 24 US male student volunteers, who were randomly assigned the role of prisoner or guard.
The prisoners were unexpectedly arrested at home, then were deloused and given the prison uniform and an ID number.
The prisoners were also given some rights, for example 3 meals, 3 supervised toilet trips a day and 2 visits per week.
The guards were given uniforms, clubs, whistles and wore reflective sunglasses.
Zimbardo took the role of prison superintendent.
The planned duration of the prison simulation study was 2 weeks, but it was stopped after 6 days.

Zimbardo found that both the prisoners and guards quickly identified with their social roles.
Within days the prisoners rebelled, but this was quickly crushed by the guards, who then grew increasingly abusive towards the prisoners.
The guards dehumanised the prisoners, waking them during the night and forcing them to clean toilets with their bare hands.
The prisoners became increasingly submissive, identifying further with their subordinate role.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that Zimbardo’s study was a laboratory experiment and therefore, a strength of the study is that there was a high degree of control.
For example, Zimbardo was able to control many aspects of the study in terms of the prisoners being arrested in their homes and the selection of participants, as only the most physically and mentally stable, mature and free from anti-social and criminal tendencies males were chosen and randomly assigned to the roles of guard or prisoner.
This was one way in which the researchers tried to rule our individual personality differences as an explanation of the findings.
If guards and prisoners behaved very differently, but were in those roles only by chance, then their behaviour must have been due to the pressures of the situation.
Having such control over variables is a strength of Zimbardo’s research into conformity to social roles, because it increases the internal validity of the study, so we can more confident in drawing conclusions about the influence of roles on behaviour.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, Zimbardo’s research can be criticised as lacking ecological validity.
For example, the participants were placed in an unfamiliar artificial setting and were expected to carry out an artificial task.
Also, making some participants ‘prisoners’ and some participants ‘guards’ introduced demand characteristics.
Example

Answer 20

For example, Banuazizi and Movahedi argue that the participants were merely play-acting rather than genuinely conforming to social roles.
Their performances were based on their stereotypes of how prisoners and guards are supposed to behave

Question 21

Describe and evaluate the procedure of Zimbardo’s research into social roles (16 marks)/Discuss research into conformity to social roles (16 marks).
The sample in Zimbardo’s research into social roles was 24 US male student volunteers, who were randomly assigned the role of prisoner or guard.
The prisoners were unexpectedly arrested at home, then were deloused and given the prison uniform and an ID number.
The prisoners were also given some rights, for example 3 meals, 3 supervised toilet trips a day and 2 visits per week.
The guards were given uniforms, clubs, whistles and wore reflective sunglasses.
Zimbardo took the role of prison superintendent.
The planned duration of the prison simulation study was 2 weeks, but it was stopped after 6 days.

Zimbardo found that both the prisoners and guards quickly identified with their social roles.
Within days the prisoners rebelled, but this was quickly crushed by the guards, who then grew increasingly abusive towards the prisoners.
The guards dehumanised the prisoners, waking them during the night and forcing them to clean toilets with their bare hands.
The prisoners became increasingly submissive, identifying further with their subordinate role.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that Zimbardo’s study was a laboratory experiment and therefore, a strength of the study is that there was a high degree of control.
For example, Zimbardo was able to control many aspects of the study in terms of the prisoners being arrested in their homes and the selection of participants, as only the most physically and mentally stable, mature and free from anti-social and criminal tendencies males were chosen and randomly assigned to the roles of guard or prisoner.
This was one way in which the researchers tried to rule our individual personality differences as an explanation of the findings.
If guards and prisoners behaved very differently, but were in those roles only by chance, then their behaviour must have been due to the pressures of the situation.
Having such control over variables is a strength of Zimbardo’s research into conformity to social roles, because it increases the internal validity of the study, so we can more confident in drawing conclusions about the influence of roles on behaviour.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, Zimbardo’s research can be criticised as lacking ecological validity.
For example, the participants were placed in an unfamiliar artificial setting and were expected to carry out an artificial task.
Also, making some participants ‘prisoners’ and some participants ‘guards’ introduced demand characteristics.
For example, Banuazizi and Movahedi argue that the participants were merely play-acting rather than genuinely conforming to social roles.
Their performances were based on their stereotypes of how prisoners and guards are supposed to behave.
Therefore,

Answer 21

Therefore, Zimbardo’s study is not reflective of the participants’ real life behaviour and the findings regarding social roles from the study cannot be generalised beyond the artificial setting

Question 22

Describe and evaluate the procedure of Zimbardo’s research into social roles (16 marks)/Discuss research into conformity to social roles (16 marks).
The sample in Zimbardo’s research into social roles was 24 US male student volunteers, who were randomly assigned the role of prisoner or guard.
The prisoners were unexpectedly arrested at home, then were deloused and given the prison uniform and an ID number.
The prisoners were also given some rights, for example 3 meals, 3 supervised toilet trips a day and 2 visits per week.
The guards were given uniforms, clubs, whistles and wore reflective sunglasses.
Zimbardo took the role of prison superintendent.
The planned duration of the prison simulation study was 2 weeks, but it was stopped after 6 days.

Zimbardo found that both the prisoners and guards quickly identified with their social roles.
Within days the prisoners rebelled, but this was quickly crushed by the guards, who then grew increasingly abusive towards the prisoners.
The guards dehumanised the prisoners, waking them during the night and forcing them to clean toilets with their bare hands.
The prisoners became increasingly submissive, identifying further with their subordinate role.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that Zimbardo’s study was a laboratory experiment and therefore, a strength of the study is that there was a high degree of control.
For example, Zimbardo was able to control many aspects of the study in terms of the prisoners being arrested in their homes and the selection of participants, as only the most physically and mentally stable, mature and free from anti-social and criminal tendencies males were chosen and randomly assigned to the roles of guard or prisoner.
This was one way in which the researchers tried to rule our individual personality differences as an explanation of the findings.
If guards and prisoners behaved very differently, but were in those roles only by chance, then their behaviour must have been due to the pressures of the situation.
Having such control over variables is a strength of Zimbardo’s research into conformity to social roles, because it increases the internal validity of the study, so we can more confident in drawing conclusions about the influence of roles on behaviour.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, Zimbardo’s research can be criticised as lacking ecological validity.
For example, the participants were placed in an unfamiliar artificial setting and were expected to carry out an artificial task.
Also, making some participants ‘prisoners’ and some participants ‘guards’ introduced demand characteristics.
For example, Banuazizi and Movahedi argue that the participants were merely play-acting rather than genuinely conforming to social roles.
Their performances were based on their stereotypes of how prisoners and guards are supposed to behave.
Therefore, Zimbardo’s study is not reflective of the participants’ real life behaviour and the findings regarding social roles from the study cannot be generalised beyond the artificial setting.

Third AO3 PEEL paragraph

Answer 22

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that another weakness of Zimbardo’s study is the role of dispositional influences

Question 23

Describe and evaluate the procedure of Zimbardo’s research into social roles (16 marks)/Discuss research into conformity to social roles (16 marks).
The sample in Zimbardo’s research into social roles was 24 US male student volunteers, who were randomly assigned the role of prisoner or guard.
The prisoners were unexpectedly arrested at home, then were deloused and given the prison uniform and an ID number.
The prisoners were also given some rights, for example 3 meals, 3 supervised toilet trips a day and 2 visits per week.
The guards were given uniforms, clubs, whistles and wore reflective sunglasses.
Zimbardo took the role of prison superintendent.
The planned duration of the prison simulation study was 2 weeks, but it was stopped after 6 days.

Zimbardo found that both the prisoners and guards quickly identified with their social roles.
Within days the prisoners rebelled, but this was quickly crushed by the guards, who then grew increasingly abusive towards the prisoners.
The guards dehumanised the prisoners, waking them during the night and forcing them to clean toilets with their bare hands.
The prisoners became increasingly submissive, identifying further with their subordinate role.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that Zimbardo’s study was a laboratory experiment and therefore, a strength of the study is that there was a high degree of control.
For example, Zimbardo was able to control many aspects of the study in terms of the prisoners being arrested in their homes and the selection of participants, as only the most physically and mentally stable, mature and free from anti-social and criminal tendencies males were chosen and randomly assigned to the roles of guard or prisoner.
This was one way in which the researchers tried to rule our individual personality differences as an explanation of the findings.
If guards and prisoners behaved very differently, but were in those roles only by chance, then their behaviour must have been due to the pressures of the situation.
Having such control over variables is a strength of Zimbardo’s research into conformity to social roles, because it increases the internal validity of the study, so we can more confident in drawing conclusions about the influence of roles on behaviour.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, Zimbardo’s research can be criticised as lacking ecological validity.
For example, the participants were placed in an unfamiliar artificial setting and were expected to carry out an artificial task.
Also, making some participants ‘prisoners’ and some participants ‘guards’ introduced demand characteristics.
For example, Banuazizi and Movahedi argue that the participants were merely play-acting rather than genuinely conforming to social roles.
Their performances were based on their stereotypes of how prisoners and guards are supposed to behave.
Therefore, Zimbardo’s study is not reflective of the participants’ real life behaviour and the findings regarding social roles from the study cannot be generalised beyond the artificial setting.

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that another weakness of Zimbardo’s study is the role of dispositional influences.

Answer 23

Fromm (1973) accused Zimbardo of exaggerating the power of the situation to influence behaviour and minimising the role of personality factors (dispositional factors)

Question 24

Describe and evaluate the procedure of Zimbardo’s research into social roles (16 marks)/Discuss research into conformity to social roles (16 marks).
The sample in Zimbardo’s research into social roles was 24 US male student volunteers, who were randomly assigned the role of prisoner or guard.
The prisoners were unexpectedly arrested at home, then were deloused and given the prison uniform and an ID number.
The prisoners were also given some rights, for example 3 meals, 3 supervised toilet trips a day and 2 visits per week.
The guards were given uniforms, clubs, whistles and wore reflective sunglasses.
Zimbardo took the role of prison superintendent.
The planned duration of the prison simulation study was 2 weeks, but it was stopped after 6 days.

Zimbardo found that both the prisoners and guards quickly identified with their social roles.
Within days the prisoners rebelled, but this was quickly crushed by the guards, who then grew increasingly abusive towards the prisoners.
The guards dehumanised the prisoners, waking them during the night and forcing them to clean toilets with their bare hands.
The prisoners became increasingly submissive, identifying further with their subordinate role.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that Zimbardo’s study was a laboratory experiment and therefore, a strength of the study is that there was a high degree of control.
For example, Zimbardo was able to control many aspects of the study in terms of the prisoners being arrested in their homes and the selection of participants, as only the most physically and mentally stable, mature and free from anti-social and criminal tendencies males were chosen and randomly assigned to the roles of guard or prisoner.
This was one way in which the researchers tried to rule our individual personality differences as an explanation of the findings.
If guards and prisoners behaved very differently, but were in those roles only by chance, then their behaviour must have been due to the pressures of the situation.
Having such control over variables is a strength of Zimbardo’s research into conformity to social roles, because it increases the internal validity of the study, so we can more confident in drawing conclusions about the influence of roles on behaviour.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, Zimbardo’s research can be criticised as lacking ecological validity.
For example, the participants were placed in an unfamiliar artificial setting and were expected to carry out an artificial task.
Also, making some participants ‘prisoners’ and some participants ‘guards’ introduced demand characteristics.
For example, Banuazizi and Movahedi argue that the participants were merely play-acting rather than genuinely conforming to social roles.
Their performances were based on their stereotypes of how prisoners and guards are supposed to behave.
Therefore, Zimbardo’s study is not reflective of the participants’ real life behaviour and the findings regarding social roles from the study cannot be generalised beyond the artificial setting.

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that another weakness of Zimbardo’s study is the role of dispositional influences.
Fromm (1973) accused Zimbardo of exaggerating the power of the situation to influence behaviour and minimising the role of personality factors (dispositional factors).
Example

Answer 24

For example, only about 1/3 of the guards behaved in a brutal manner, another third were keen on applying the rules fairly and the rest actively tried to help and support the prisoners, sympathising with them, reinstating privileges and offering them cigarettes (Zimbardo, 2007)

Question 25

Describe and evaluate the procedure of Zimbardo’s research into social roles (16 marks)/Discuss research into conformity to social roles (16 marks).
The sample in Zimbardo’s research into social roles was 24 US male student volunteers, who were randomly assigned the role of prisoner or guard.
The prisoners were unexpectedly arrested at home, then were deloused and given the prison uniform and an ID number.
The prisoners were also given some rights, for example 3 meals, 3 supervised toilet trips a day and 2 visits per week.
The guards were given uniforms, clubs, whistles and wore reflective sunglasses.
Zimbardo took the role of prison superintendent.
The planned duration of the prison simulation study was 2 weeks, but it was stopped after 6 days.

Zimbardo found that both the prisoners and guards quickly identified with their social roles.
Within days the prisoners rebelled, but this was quickly crushed by the guards, who then grew increasingly abusive towards the prisoners.
The guards dehumanised the prisoners, waking them during the night and forcing them to clean toilets with their bare hands.
The prisoners became increasingly submissive, identifying further with their subordinate role.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that Zimbardo’s study was a laboratory experiment and therefore, a strength of the study is that there was a high degree of control.
For example, Zimbardo was able to control many aspects of the study in terms of the prisoners being arrested in their homes and the selection of participants, as only the most physically and mentally stable, mature and free from anti-social and criminal tendencies males were chosen and randomly assigned to the roles of guard or prisoner.
This was one way in which the researchers tried to rule our individual personality differences as an explanation of the findings.
If guards and prisoners behaved very differently, but were in those roles only by chance, then their behaviour must have been due to the pressures of the situation.
Having such control over variables is a strength of Zimbardo’s research into conformity to social roles, because it increases the internal validity of the study, so we can more confident in drawing conclusions about the influence of roles on behaviour.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, Zimbardo’s research can be criticised as lacking ecological validity.
For example, the participants were placed in an unfamiliar artificial setting and were expected to carry out an artificial task.
Also, making some participants ‘prisoners’ and some participants ‘guards’ introduced demand characteristics.
For example, Banuazizi and Movahedi argue that the participants were merely play-acting rather than genuinely conforming to social roles.
Their performances were based on their stereotypes of how prisoners and guards are supposed to behave.
Therefore, Zimbardo’s study is not reflective of the participants’ real life behaviour and the findings regarding social roles from the study cannot be generalised beyond the artificial setting.

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that another weakness of Zimbardo’s study is the role of dispositional influences.
Fromm (1973) accused Zimbardo of exaggerating the power of the situation to influence behaviour and minimising the role of personality factors (dispositional factors).
For example, only about 1/3 of the guards behaved in a brutal manner, another third were keen on applying the rules fairly and the rest actively tried to help and support the prisoners, sympathising with them, reinstating privileges and offering them cigarettes (Zimbardo, 2007).
What does this suggest?

Answer 25

This suggests that situational factors are not the only cause of conformity to social roles and that dispositional factors also play a role, because the differences in the guards’ behaviour indicate that they were able to exercise right and wrong choices, despite the situational pressures to conform to a role

Question 26

Describe and evaluate the procedure of Zimbardo’s research into social roles (16 marks)/Discuss research into conformity to social roles (16 marks).
The sample in Zimbardo’s research into social roles was 24 US male student volunteers, who were randomly assigned the role of prisoner or guard.
The prisoners were unexpectedly arrested at home, then were deloused and given the prison uniform and an ID number.
The prisoners were also given some rights, for example 3 meals, 3 supervised toilet trips a day and 2 visits per week.
The guards were given uniforms, clubs, whistles and wore reflective sunglasses.
Zimbardo took the role of prison superintendent.
The planned duration of the prison simulation study was 2 weeks, but it was stopped after 6 days.

Zimbardo found that both the prisoners and guards quickly identified with their social roles.
Within days the prisoners rebelled, but this was quickly crushed by the guards, who then grew increasingly abusive towards the prisoners.
The guards dehumanised the prisoners, waking them during the night and forcing them to clean toilets with their bare hands.
The prisoners became increasingly submissive, identifying further with their subordinate role.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that Zimbardo’s study was a laboratory experiment and therefore, a strength of the study is that there was a high degree of control.
For example, Zimbardo was able to control many aspects of the study in terms of the prisoners being arrested in their homes and the selection of participants, as only the most physically and mentally stable, mature and free from anti-social and criminal tendencies males were chosen and randomly assigned to the roles of guard or prisoner.
This was one way in which the researchers tried to rule our individual personality differences as an explanation of the findings.
If guards and prisoners behaved very differently, but were in those roles only by chance, then their behaviour must have been due to the pressures of the situation.
Having such control over variables is a strength of Zimbardo’s research into conformity to social roles, because it increases the internal validity of the study, so we can more confident in drawing conclusions about the influence of roles on behaviour.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, Zimbardo’s research can be criticised as lacking ecological validity.
For example, the participants were placed in an unfamiliar artificial setting and were expected to carry out an artificial task.
Also, making some participants ‘prisoners’ and some participants ‘guards’ introduced demand characteristics.
For example, Banuazizi and Movahedi argue that the participants were merely play-acting rather than genuinely conforming to social roles.
Their performances were based on their stereotypes of how prisoners and guards are supposed to behave.
Therefore, Zimbardo’s study is not reflective of the participants’ real life behaviour and the findings regarding social roles from the study cannot be generalised beyond the artificial setting.

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that another weakness of Zimbardo’s study is the role of dispositional influences.
Fromm (1973) accused Zimbardo of exaggerating the power of the situation to influence behaviour and minimising the role of personality factors (dispositional factors).
For example, only about 1/3 of the guards behaved in a brutal manner, another third were keen on applying the rules fairly and the rest actively tried to help and support the prisoners, sympathising with them, reinstating privileges and offering them cigarettes (Zimbardo, 2007).
This suggests that situational factors are not the only cause of conformity to social roles and that dispositional factors also play a role, because the differences in the guards’ behaviour indicate that they were able to exercise right and wrong choices, despite the situational pressures to conform to a role.

Fourth AO3 PEEL paragraph

Answer 26

The fourth AO3 PEEL paragraph is that Zimbardo’s research has a lack of research support

Question 27

Describe and evaluate the procedure of Zimbardo’s research into social roles (16 marks)/Discuss research into conformity to social roles (16 marks).
The sample in Zimbardo’s research into social roles was 24 US male student volunteers, who were randomly assigned the role of prisoner or guard.
The prisoners were unexpectedly arrested at home, then were deloused and given the prison uniform and an ID number.
The prisoners were also given some rights, for example 3 meals, 3 supervised toilet trips a day and 2 visits per week.
The guards were given uniforms, clubs, whistles and wore reflective sunglasses.
Zimbardo took the role of prison superintendent.
The planned duration of the prison simulation study was 2 weeks, but it was stopped after 6 days.

Zimbardo found that both the prisoners and guards quickly identified with their social roles.
Within days the prisoners rebelled, but this was quickly crushed by the guards, who then grew increasingly abusive towards the prisoners.
The guards dehumanised the prisoners, waking them during the night and forcing them to clean toilets with their bare hands.
The prisoners became increasingly submissive, identifying further with their subordinate role.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that Zimbardo’s study was a laboratory experiment and therefore, a strength of the study is that there was a high degree of control.
For example, Zimbardo was able to control many aspects of the study in terms of the prisoners being arrested in their homes and the selection of participants, as only the most physically and mentally stable, mature and free from anti-social and criminal tendencies males were chosen and randomly assigned to the roles of guard or prisoner.
This was one way in which the researchers tried to rule our individual personality differences as an explanation of the findings.
If guards and prisoners behaved very differently, but were in those roles only by chance, then their behaviour must have been due to the pressures of the situation.
Having such control over variables is a strength of Zimbardo’s research into conformity to social roles, because it increases the internal validity of the study, so we can more confident in drawing conclusions about the influence of roles on behaviour.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, Zimbardo’s research can be criticised as lacking ecological validity.
For example, the participants were placed in an unfamiliar artificial setting and were expected to carry out an artificial task.
Also, making some participants ‘prisoners’ and some participants ‘guards’ introduced demand characteristics.
For example, Banuazizi and Movahedi argue that the participants were merely play-acting rather than genuinely conforming to social roles.
Their performances were based on their stereotypes of how prisoners and guards are supposed to behave.
Therefore, Zimbardo’s study is not reflective of the participants’ real life behaviour and the findings regarding social roles from the study cannot be generalised beyond the artificial setting.

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that another weakness of Zimbardo’s study is the role of dispositional influences.
Fromm (1973) accused Zimbardo of exaggerating the power of the situation to influence behaviour and minimising the role of personality factors (dispositional factors).
For example, only about 1/3 of the guards behaved in a brutal manner, another third were keen on applying the rules fairly and the rest actively tried to help and support the prisoners, sympathising with them, reinstating privileges and offering them cigarettes (Zimbardo, 2007).
This suggests that situational factors are not the only cause of conformity to social roles and that dispositional factors also play a role, because the differences in the guards’ behaviour indicate that they were able to exercise right and wrong choices, despite the situational pressures to conform to a role.

The fourth AO3 PEEL paragraph is that Zimbardo’s research has a lack of research support.
Example

Answer 27

For example, Reicher and Haslam (2006) partially replicated the Stanford prison experiment and the findings were very different to those of Zimbardo’s, because it was the prisoners who eventually took control of the mock prison and subjected the guards to a campaign of harassment and disobedience

Question 28

Describe and evaluate the procedure of Zimbardo’s research into social roles (16 marks)/Discuss research into conformity to social roles (16 marks).
The sample in Zimbardo’s research into social roles was 24 US male student volunteers, who were randomly assigned the role of prisoner or guard.
The prisoners were unexpectedly arrested at home, then were deloused and given the prison uniform and an ID number.
The prisoners were also given some rights, for example 3 meals, 3 supervised toilet trips a day and 2 visits per week.
The guards were given uniforms, clubs, whistles and wore reflective sunglasses.
Zimbardo took the role of prison superintendent.
The planned duration of the prison simulation study was 2 weeks, but it was stopped after 6 days.

Zimbardo found that both the prisoners and guards quickly identified with their social roles.
Within days the prisoners rebelled, but this was quickly crushed by the guards, who then grew increasingly abusive towards the prisoners.
The guards dehumanised the prisoners, waking them during the night and forcing them to clean toilets with their bare hands.
The prisoners became increasingly submissive, identifying further with their subordinate role.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that Zimbardo’s study was a laboratory experiment and therefore, a strength of the study is that there was a high degree of control.
For example, Zimbardo was able to control many aspects of the study in terms of the prisoners being arrested in their homes and the selection of participants, as only the most physically and mentally stable, mature and free from anti-social and criminal tendencies males were chosen and randomly assigned to the roles of guard or prisoner.
This was one way in which the researchers tried to rule our individual personality differences as an explanation of the findings.
If guards and prisoners behaved very differently, but were in those roles only by chance, then their behaviour must have been due to the pressures of the situation.
Having such control over variables is a strength of Zimbardo’s research into conformity to social roles, because it increases the internal validity of the study, so we can more confident in drawing conclusions about the influence of roles on behaviour.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, Zimbardo’s research can be criticised as lacking ecological validity.
For example, the participants were placed in an unfamiliar artificial setting and were expected to carry out an artificial task.
Also, making some participants ‘prisoners’ and some participants ‘guards’ introduced demand characteristics.
For example, Banuazizi and Movahedi argue that the participants were merely play-acting rather than genuinely conforming to social roles.
Their performances were based on their stereotypes of how prisoners and guards are supposed to behave.
Therefore, Zimbardo’s study is not reflective of the participants’ real life behaviour and the findings regarding social roles from the study cannot be generalised beyond the artificial setting.

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that another weakness of Zimbardo’s study is the role of dispositional influences.
Fromm (1973) accused Zimbardo of exaggerating the power of the situation to influence behaviour and minimising the role of personality factors (dispositional factors).
For example, only about 1/3 of the guards behaved in a brutal manner, another third were keen on applying the rules fairly and the rest actively tried to help and support the prisoners, sympathising with them, reinstating privileges and offering them cigarettes (Zimbardo, 2007).
This suggests that situational factors are not the only cause of conformity to social roles and that dispositional factors also play a role, because the differences in the guards’ behaviour indicate that they were able to exercise right and wrong choices, despite the situational pressures to conform to a role.

The fourth AO3 PEEL paragraph is that Zimbardo’s research has a lack of research support.
For example, Reicher and Haslam (2006) partially replicated the Stanford prison experiment and the findings were very different to those of Zimbardo’s, because it was the prisoners who eventually took control of the mock prison and subjected the guards to a campaign of harassment and disobedience.

Answer 28

Reicher and Haslam used social identity theory (Tajfel, 1981) to explain this outcome and argued that the guards failed to develop a shared social identity as a cohesive group, but that the prisoners did.
They actively identified themselves as members of a social group that refused to accept the limits of their assigned role as prisoners

Question 29

Describe and evaluate the procedure of Zimbardo’s research into social roles (16 marks)/Discuss research into conformity to social roles (16 marks).
The sample in Zimbardo’s research into social roles was 24 US male student volunteers, who were randomly assigned the role of prisoner or guard.
The prisoners were unexpectedly arrested at home, then were deloused and given the prison uniform and an ID number.
The prisoners were also given some rights, for example 3 meals, 3 supervised toilet trips a day and 2 visits per week.
The guards were given uniforms, clubs, whistles and wore reflective sunglasses.
Zimbardo took the role of prison superintendent.
The planned duration of the prison simulation study was 2 weeks, but it was stopped after 6 days.

Zimbardo found that both the prisoners and guards quickly identified with their social roles.
Within days the prisoners rebelled, but this was quickly crushed by the guards, who then grew increasingly abusive towards the prisoners.
The guards dehumanised the prisoners, waking them during the night and forcing them to clean toilets with their bare hands.
The prisoners became increasingly submissive, identifying further with their subordinate role.

The first AO3 PEEL paragraph is that Zimbardo’s study was a laboratory experiment and therefore, a strength of the study is that there was a high degree of control.
For example, Zimbardo was able to control many aspects of the study in terms of the prisoners being arrested in their homes and the selection of participants, as only the most physically and mentally stable, mature and free from anti-social and criminal tendencies males were chosen and randomly assigned to the roles of guard or prisoner.
This was one way in which the researchers tried to rule our individual personality differences as an explanation of the findings.
If guards and prisoners behaved very differently, but were in those roles only by chance, then their behaviour must have been due to the pressures of the situation.
Having such control over variables is a strength of Zimbardo’s research into conformity to social roles, because it increases the internal validity of the study, so we can more confident in drawing conclusions about the influence of roles on behaviour.

The second AO3 PEEL paragraph is that However, Zimbardo’s research can be criticised as lacking ecological validity.
For example, the participants were placed in an unfamiliar artificial setting and were expected to carry out an artificial task.
Also, making some participants ‘prisoners’ and some participants ‘guards’ introduced demand characteristics.
For example, Banuazizi and Movahedi argue that the participants were merely play-acting rather than genuinely conforming to social roles.
Their performances were based on their stereotypes of how prisoners and guards are supposed to behave.
Therefore, Zimbardo’s study is not reflective of the participants’ real life behaviour and the findings regarding social roles from the study cannot be generalised beyond the artificial setting.

The third AO3 PEEL paragraph is that another weakness of Zimbardo’s study is the role of dispositional influences.
Fromm (1973) accused Zimbardo of exaggerating the power of the situation to influence behaviour and minimising the role of personality factors (dispositional factors).
For example, only about 1/3 of the guards behaved in a brutal manner, another third were keen on applying the rules fairly and the rest actively tried to help and support the prisoners, sympathising with them, reinstating privileges and offering them cigarettes (Zimbardo, 2007).
This suggests that situational factors are not the only cause of conformity to social roles and that dispositional factors also play a role, because the differences in the guards’ behaviour indicate that they were able to exercise right and wrong choices, despite the situational pressures to conform to a role.

The fourth AO3 PEEL paragraph is that Zimbardo’s research has a lack of research support.
For example, Reicher and Haslam (2006) partially replicated the Stanford prison experiment and the findings were very different to those of Zimbardo’s, because it was the prisoners who eventually took control of the mock prison and subjected the guards to a campaign of harassment and disobedience.
Reicher and Haslam used social identity theory (Tajfel, 1981) to explain this outcome and argued that the guards failed to develop a shared social identity as a cohesive group, but that the prisoners did.
They actively identified themselves as members of a social group that refused to accept the limits of their assigned role as prisoners.
What does this do?

Answer 29

This challenges and invalidates Zimbardo’s research and thus his conclusion that participants were conforming to social roles