conformity to social roles: Zimbardo Flashcards
evaluation point: practical applications
Zimbardo’s study demonstrates the influence of conformity to social roles, which is an important psychological insight that has resulted in useful applications in society. For example, Zimbardo’s research prompted reform in the way juvenile prisoners were treated (at least initially).
evaluation point: questions ecological validity
Both the guards and prisoners knew they were taking part in a study, and so this might have affected how they behaved. For example, they might have felt they were expected to act a certain way. This is somewhat confirmed by post-study interviews: Many of the participants said they were just acting. As such, the findings of this study may not apply to real life situations.ev
evaluation point: ethical issues
It’s clear the study subjected many of the participants to high levels of stress, as evidenced by the prisoner who “went crazy” and had to be released, as well as the other participants who had to be released. Further, participants did not explicitly consent to all aspects of the experiment, such as being ‘arrested’ at home.
Evaluation point: sample bias - lacks population validity
Sample only contained US male students so the study’s findings can’t be applied to female prisoners or those in other countries (ethnocentric). American is an individualist culture where people are generally less conforming whereas in collectivist cultures (e.g. Asian countries) results may be different
What did Zimbardo do?
Set up a mock prison in the basement of the psych department at Stanford university.
Who did and how many people did Zimbardo select for his study?
21 male student volunteers who tested as ‘emotionally stable.’
How ere students assigned the role of prisoner or guard?
Randomly.
What were prisoners and guards encouraged to do?
Conform to social roles through uniform and instruction about their behaviour.
What uniforms did prisoners wear?
A loose smock and a Cap to cover their hair - identified by a number rather than there name.
What did the guards uniform reflect?
The status of their role with a wooden club, handcuffs and mirror shades.
What did uniforms create?
De-individualisation and meant they would be more likely to conform to their social role.
What were prisoners further encouraged to do?
Identify with their role through several procedures e.g. rather than leaving the study early ppts could ‘apply for parole.’
How were guards encouraged to play their role?
By being reminded they had complete power over prisoners.
What happened 2 days into the study?
Prisoners rebelled by ripping their uniforms, shouting and swearing at the guards who retaliated with fire extinguishers.
What tactics did the guards use?
‘Divide-and-rule’ by playing prisoners off against each other.
Why did the guards constantly harass the prisoners?
To remind them of the powerlessness of their role e.g. conducting headcount’s frequently - sometimes at night - when prisoners would stand in line and call out their number.
How did guards highlight differences in social roles?
By creating opportunities to enforce the rules and administer punishment.
After the rebellion what did prisoners become?
Subdued, depressed and anxious.
Why was 1 ppt released early?
He was showing symptoms of psychological disturbance.
How many more prisoners were let out early on day 4?
2
What did one prisoner do?
Go on a hunger strike - guards tried to force feed him and then punished him by putting him in the hole (tiny dark closet).
What did guards identify with as the researcher went on?
Identified with their role more and more.
What did the guards behaviour become?
Aggressive and brutal with some appearing to enjoy their power over the prisoners.
When did Zimbardo end the study?
After 6 days instead of the intended 14.
What did social roles appear to have on ppts?
Strong influence on individuals behaviour.
What did guards and prisoners become throughout the study?
Guards - brutal.
Prisoners - submissive.
What were roles to people who took part?
Easy to take on - even volunteers who came in to perform specific functions found themselves behaving as if they were in a prison.
