conformity to social roles Flashcards
stanford prison experiment procedure
mock prison set up in standford university - male students volunteered, after advertisement. were randomly assigned roles of prisoner or guard.
were unexpectedly arrested at home, given prison uniform and assigned ID number. prisoners allowed 3 supervised toliet trips, 3 meals and 2 visits a week.
guards given uniform, whistles, reflective glasses to prevent eye contact with prisoners. planned to last 2 weeks
findings
abused prisoners, forced them to clean toliets bare hands. some enjoyed the role so much they volunteered to do extra hours without pay. even though they were unaware of being watched they still confirmed to their roles of prisoners and guards, 1 prisoner, asked for parole rather than asking to withdraw.5 prisoners had to be released early due to extreme reactions (crying rage)- symptoms showed afted 2 days.stopped after 6 days.
STUDY SHOwed BOTH CONFORMED TO THEIR SOCIAL ROLES, guards became more cruel
bbc prison study - REICHER AND HASLAM
procedure A03
randomly assigned men to role of guards or prisoner and examined behaviour in created ‘prison’. 15 males were divided into 5 groups of 3 people which were matched to their key personality variables. one was randomly chosen to be guard in each group. study WAS TO RUN FOR 8 DAYS
findings A03
did not conform automatically to assigned role. prisoners identified as group and worked together to challenge authority of guards.
guards failed to identify with roles, led to shift of power and the collapse of prisoner guard system
limitation
conformity t roles is not automatic - HASLAM AND RECIHER challenged zimbardos beliefs. there were a few good guards, who didn’t not harass the prisoners, and even did small favours
AGRUES THAT this shows guard chose how to behave
limitation
ETHICAL ISSUES - informed consent - they didn’t fully say what was going to happen, however zimbardo said it was said
right to withdraw - prisoners felt like they could’nt leave, however zim said 1 already withdrew
protection from harm - this caused prisoners psychological harm - zim said he’ll get them individual therapist
and that it only lasted 6 days
