conformity to social roles

Question 1

who researched this

Answer 1

Zimbardo et al, (1973)

Question 2

explain the experiment

Answer 2

• set up mock prison in the basement of the psychology department at Stanford university
• 21 male volunteers who tested as emotionally stable took part
• students were randomly assigned to play the role of prison guard or prisoner
• prisoners and guards were encouraged to conform to social roles both through the uniforms they wore and instructions about their behaviour

Question 3

what uniforms did they wear

Answer 3

• prisoners given a loose smock to wear and a cap to cover their hair and they were identified by number (their names were never used)
• guards had their own uniforms reflecting status of role, with wooden club, handcuffs and mirror shades

Question 4

what was the importance of the uniforms

Answer 4

they created a loss of personal identity (called de-individualisation) and meant they would be more likely to conform to the perceived social role.

Question 5

what instructions were they given about their behaviour

Answer 5

• prisoners were encouraged to identify with their role by several procedures
• e.g. rather than leaving the study early, prisoners could apply for parole
• the guards were encouraged to play their role by being reminded that they had complete power over the prisoners

Question 6

what were the findings related to social roles

Answer 6

• guards took up their roles with prisoners enthusiastically and treated the prisoners harshly
• within two days the prisoners rebelled. They ripped their uniforms and shouted and swore at the guards who retaliated with fire extinguishers
• guards used decide and tule tactics by playing prisoners off against each other
• they harassed prisoners
• took frequent head counts sometimes even at night
• after the rebellion was put down the prisoners became subdued, depressed and anxious. One was released because he showed psychological disturbance. Two more were released in the fourth day. One prisoner went in a hunger strike. guards tried to force feed him and punished him by putting him in the hole- a tiny dark closet
• guards identified more closely with their role, behaviour became increasingly brutal and aggressive and some appeared to enjoy the power they had over the prisoners.
• Zimbardo ended the study six days instead of the intended 14.