Conformity to social roles - Zimbardo's Study

Question 1

What was the aim of Zimbardo’s experiment?

Answer 1

how individuals would conform to the social roles (prison & guard) in a simulated prison environment.

Question 2

What procedures were involved?

Answer 2

• 21 male uni students found through volunteer sampling, randomly allocated to roles
• basement of Stanford Uni
• diagnostic tests given to eliminate candidates who had psychological problems/history.

Question 3

How did uniform play a role in the experiment?

Answer 3

• guards were given khaki uniforms, reflective sunglasses
• smock with ID number (only referred to by digit), heavy chain on right ankle
  purpose was to de-individuate them (create a loss of identity)

Question 4

What were the findings of Zimbardo’s research? (Guards)

Answer 4

• quickly conformed, became increasingly brutal & aggressive
• prisoners subject to psychological abuse, humilitating tasks
• prisoners awoken at 2:30am for a ‘count’ - stripped and placed in solitary confinement

Question 5

What were the findings of Zimbardo’s research? (Prisoners)

Answer 5

• initially resisted, but over time became passive and showed signs of extreme stress & depression
• Two released due to adverse reactions to physical & mental torment
• One went on hunger strike

Question 6

When and why did the study end?

Answer 6

The study ended on Day 6.
Zimbardo had become so immersed in his dual role as superintendent that he lost objectivity, failed to intervene earlier and neglected his duty of care.

Question 7

What can we conclude about Zimbardo’s experiment?

Answer 7

• powerful effect of social roles, esp where they carry strong situational power
• situational factors & environment were the primary cause for conformity.