Haney, Banks and Zimbardo (1973)

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

To investigate prisoner-guard conflict in a simulated environment

Question 2

Procedure

Answer 2

• Total of 10 prisoners/11 guards
• Simulated prison environment with yard area, guardroom and room for solitary confinement
• “Guards” were asked to maintain law and order in the prison
• {prisoners were allowed privileges. For ex. watching a movie and approx. 3 visits from family

Question 3

Results

Answer 3

• Guards would become aggressive towards the prisoners
• Prisoners were punished with little or no justification
• Study was shut down after 6 days because behaviour was getting out of control
• Prisoners started to show signs of emotional mental distress