Conformity To Social Roles Flashcards
What Are Social Roles?
the ‘parts’ people play as members of various social groups
- examples are: students, parents, police, etc
- accompanied by expectations we and others have of what is appropriate behaviour in each role. E.g.: obedient, caring, protective, etc.
What Was The Research For Conformity To Roles?
Zimbardo’s Research (1973)
Sample: 21 male student volunteers who were tested as ‘emotionally stable’ .
Procedure: a mock prison was set up in the basement of the Psychology Department of Stanford University. Students were randomly assigned to the roles of prisoner or guard.
Uniforms: Prisoners were given a loose smock to wear and a cap to cover their hair. They were identified with numbers.
Guards were given their own uniform reflecting the the status of their role, with wooden club, handcuffs and mirror shades.
Instructions about Behaviour: guards were encouraged that they had complete power over prisoners and were to play their roles. Prisoners were encouraged to identify their roles by several procedures like applying for parole.
What Are The Uniforms Likely To Cause Found In Zimbardo’s Research?
the prisoner and guard’s uniforms created a loss of personal identity- ‘De-Individuation’
-meant they would be more likely to conform to the perceived social roles
Identify The Findings And Conclusions Related To Social Roles In Zimbardo’s Research.
Findings: The guards took up their roles with enthusiasm and treated the prisoners harshly. Within= 2 days, the prisoners rebelled.
1 prisoner was released because he showed symptoms of psychological disturbance.
2 more were released on the 4th day.
1 prisoner went one a hunger strike. But was punished by putting him in a tiny dark closet by the guards
Zimbardo ended the study after 6 days, instead of the extended 14 days
Conclusion: Social roles appear to have a strong influence on the individuals’ behaviours.
The guards became brutal and the prisoners became submissive.
