Conformity to Social Roles Flashcards
What was Zimbardo’s method?
He set up the SPE in the basement of Stanford. They selected 21 emotionally stable men to be randomly assigned to prison guard or prisoner. They were given instructions and uniforms.
How did the uniforms aid the SPE?
The prisoners were given a loose smock, bald cap and identified by numbers not names. Guards had mirror shades and clubs. These created de-individuation and meant they were more likely to conform to social roles.
How did the behavioural instructions aid the SPE?
They were encouraged to identify by referring to leaving the study as ‘applying for parole’ or the guards being reminded they had complete power.
What were the findings of the SPE?
Guards treated prisoners harshly and within 2 days the prisoners rebelled. The guards harassed the prisoners constantly, creating opportunities to enforce the rules and enact punishments. After the rebellion was put down, prisoners became depressed and subdued - 146 released due to psychological disturbance. One went on a hunger strike - guards force-fed him and put him in solitary. Ended after 6 days.
What were the conclusions from the SPE?
Social roles have a strong influence on individuals behaviour, the guards became brutal and the prisoners submissive. Such roles easier taken on, even volunteers such as the ‘chaplain’ behaved as if in a real prison.
What is the evaluation - strong control?
Had control over key variables - psychological stability and random assignment. This meant that the results couldn’t be explained by personality differences. This degree of control increased the internal validity.
What is the evaluation - lack of mundane realism?
Banuazizi and Mohave argued the participants were play-acting instead of conforming. Participants performances were based on stereotypes - one guard based his role off of Cool Hand Luke so the prisoners rioted as they thought thats what real prisoners did. This suggests the findings tell us little.
What is the evaluation - McDermott?
McDermott found 90% of prison conversations were about prison life, and amongst themselves they discussed how it was impossible to leave the SPE before their sentences. Prisoner 416 later explained he thought the prison was a real one - suggesting the SPE did replicate the social roles - high internal validity.
What is the limitation - exaggerated power?
Zimbardo may have exaggerated the findings, only 1/3 of the guards behaved brutally, another 3rd applied the rules fairly and the other 3rd sympathised. Most guards resisted situational pressures - Zimbardo overstated his view and minimised influence of dispositional factors.
