Psychology - Social Influence: Conformity to social roles Zimbardo

Question 1

What was the aim of Zimbardo’s Stamford Prison Experiment?

Answer 1

To investigate the influence of social roles on conformity behaviour - To what extent do we conform to the expectations people have of us

Question 2

What was the sample of Zimbardo’s Stamford Prison Experiment?

Answer 2

Volunteer sampling - 24 male university students

Question 3

What was the Experimental method of Zimbardo’s Stamford prison Experiment?

Answer 3

Lab experiment with observational Technique

Question 4

What was the Procedure of Zimbardo’s Stamford Prison Experiment?

Answer 4

. Mock prison was created in the Basement of Stamford University and P’s were randomly assigned to the role of Prisoner or Guard
. Prisoners were blindfolded strip searched an deloused and guards were given sun glasses a wooden baton and a uniform
. P’s had to either follow or enforce 16 rules
. Guards worked shifts 3 at a time
. Prisoners could never leave and it was scheduled to last 14 days

Question 5

what were the Findings of Zimbardo’s Stamford Prison Experiment?

Answer 5

. Stopped after 6 days
. Within 2 days the prisoners rebelled and guards became excessively strict and abusive
. on day 1 and on day 4 prisoners left
. One prisoner went on hunger strike

Question 6

What are 3 positives of Zimbardo’s Stamford Prisoners Experiment?

Answer 6

. Real world Application - Abu Ghraib is an example of people altering their behaviour
. High in mundane realism - It was an immersive experience
. High control - Random allocation meant control of dispositional variables

Question 7

What is a negative of Zimbardo’s Stamford Prison Experiment?

Answer 7

. Weak Population validity - only men

. Ethics - Breach in harm