Conformity To Social Roles*

Question 1

Procedure

Answer 1

• Zimbardo set up a mock prison in the basement of stamford university
• 21 male student volunteers involved in the study.
• Had to do a test to check for emotional stability
• Randomly allocated to the role of guard or prisoner

Question 2

social role encouraged by :

Answer 2

1) uniform- prisoners strip searched, given a uniform and a number. De-individualisation. Guards enforced rule, own uniform with handcuffs
2) Instructions about behaviour- Prisoners told they cant leave. Guards told they had complete power

Question 3

Findings

Answer 3

• Guards played roles enthusiastically and treated prisoners harshly, 2 days- prisoners rebelled. Tore uniform, swore at guards- Guards retaliated by harassing prisoners
• The guards behaviour threatened the prisoners physical and psychological health
• 3 released early as showed signs of psychological disturbance
• 1 went on hunger strike. Tried to force feed him then put him in the hole, a tiny dark closet
• The study was stopped after 6 days rather than the intended 14.

Question 4

Conclusion

Answer 4

• social roles are powerful influences, guards became brutal, prisoners became submissive.

Question 5

Strength- control over key variables

Answer 5

• emotionally stable ppts recruited and randomly allocated.
• Got those roles by chance so behaviour was due to the role, not their personalities.

Question 6

Lack of research support

Answer 6

Reicher and Haslam-replicated.
Didn’t automatically conform
Contradict Zimbardo as there was a shift in power leading to the fall in the prison system. It’s about the identity of the group, not just the role you’re in

Question 7

Limitation- lacks realism-play acting

Answer 7

• Banuazizi and Mohavedi- ppts were play acting as they matched the stereotypes of how they’re supposed to behave. Based off films. prisoners rioted as they thought it’s what happens in real prisons
• Tells us little about actual prisons

Question 8

counterpoint-real?

Answer 8

• Behaved as if it was real. 90% of convos about prison life
• 416 believed it was a prison run by psychologists

Question 9

Limitation- exaggerated power of roles

Answer 9

• 1/3 of the guards acted brutally. 1/3 applied rules fairly. 1/3 supported prisoners
• Suggests SPE overstates the view the guards were conforming to be brutal

Question 10

Alternative explanation-possible to resist

Answer 10

• Claimed they naturally took on roles however doesn’t explain why some weren’t brutal
• shows it’s possible to resist

Question 11

Ethical issues

Answer 11

Caused physical and psychological harm to many of the participants