Reicher and Haslam Flashcards
How the sample were recruited
Male participants were recruited through advertising in the national press and through leaflets. They then went through the 3 phase screening to ensure they were neither psychologically vulnerable not liable to put others at risk.
The prison environment created
The BBC was asked to create a prison environment at Elstree Studios with Reicher and Haslam’s guidelines. The entrance and delivery areas were separated from the main prison areas by sliding, lockable, steel mesh grilles. Within the main prison area, 3 person cells were constructed together with showers, off a central atrium. This was separated by a lockable steel mesh fence from the guards’ quarters which consisted of a dormitory, bathroom and mess room. The guards also had an observation post above the main atrium from where they could monitor prisoners. Within this area, there was an exercise area and an isolation cell.
Outline why this study may be considered an experiment
Three IV’s were manipulated - permeability, legitimacy and cognitive alternatives.
Outline why the study may be considered a case study
Because it was a detailed investigation of a small group of people - 9/10 prisoners and 5 guards.
Outline two reasons why the prisoners were given uniforms
Lack of self identity
To enhance group identity
Outline how the variable of permeability was manipulated
At their initial briefing, guards were told that they had been selected on the basis of their reliability, trustworthiness and initiative. However they were also told that it could have been possible that they had mis-assigned one or more of the prisoners. The guards were therefore told they should observe the behaviour of the prisoners to see if anyone showed guard-like qualities. If they did they were told there was provision for promotion to be made on day 3.
Outline the behaviour of prisoners during the permeability period
Many of the prisoners sought to improve their lot by displaying individual qualities necessary for promotion.
Outline how the behaviour of the prisoners changed once the groups became impermeable
The prisoners started to see themselves as a group and worked collectively to challenge the guards.
Describe what is meant by the term ‘tyranny’
An unequal social system involving the exercise of power by one group or its agents over another.
Describe one of the variables manipulated to create a situation in which tyranny could develop
Cognitive alternatives: On day 4 a new prisoner, chosen because of his background as a Trade Union Official, was introduced to provide the skills required to organise collective action.
Describe one way the researchers tried to ensure ethical guidelines were upheld
All participants underwent clinical, medical and background screening to ensure suitability.
One reason why stress or physiological harm is a concern
The prisoners may have suffered as a result of conflict with the guards.
Why the study has high ecological validity
There was a set of prison rules which prisoners had to obey as they would in a real prison.
Why the study has low ecological validity
The prisoners weren’t real as they had not committed any crimes which they would have to have done in real life.
Screening process which reduced the initial pool of 332 applicants to 27 participants
Applicants went through three phases of screening. First, they completed a battery of psychometric tests that measured both social variables (authoritarianism, social dominance, modern racism) and clinical variables (depression, anxiety, social isolation, paranoia, aggressiveness, de-motivation, self-esteem, self-harm, drug dependence). Secondly, they underwent a full weekend assessment by independent clinical psychologists. Third, medical and character references were obtained and police checks were conducted.
