Reicher And Haslam - (BBC Prison Study) Flashcards
What were the predictions of the conditions in which tyranny would occur in Reicher & Haslams study?
Members of dominant groups will seek no change
Members of subordinate groups will identify with their group and will be motivated by lack of permeability/lack of fairness
What was the aim of Reicher & Haslam’s study?
- To study the interactions between dominant and subordinate groups
- Understand the conditions under which subordinate groups give in to tyranny
Who were the participants in Reicher & Haslams study?
15 men of diverse age, social class and ethnic background
How were participants recruited in Reicher & Haslams study?
Through national newspapers and leaflets
332 participants reduced to 27 through screening then reduced further to gain a diverse sample
How were participants split up in Reicher & Haslams study?
15 divided into 5 groups of three people who were matched as closely as possible. From each group 1 guard and 2 prisoners were randomly selected
How was ethics sustained during the duration of the study by Reicher & Haslam?
Monitored throughout by independent psychologists and an ethics committee.
Participants had signed a consent form beforehand
What was the role of the guards during Reicher & Haslams study?
Responsible for the running of the institution and must respect basic rights of the prisoners.
What were the 3 planned interventions within this study?
Permeability,Legitimacy and Cognitive alternatives
How was permeability used as an intervention tool in Reicher & Haslams study?
Participants told guards had been selected based on certain characteristics but if prisoners adhered to these characteristics then they could become guards.
Day 3 a prisoner was promoted and no other person was promoted or demoted
How was legitimacy used as a tool for intervention in Reicher & Haslams study?
Participants told that guards did not have certain characteristics and therefore this created insecurity
How were cognitive alternatives used as a tool for intervention in Reicher & Haslams study?
A trade unionist joined the prisoners and therefore could organise and negotiate collective action
What were the DV’s within Reicher & Haslams study?
Social, organisational and clinical variables
How were the DV’s within Reicher & Haslams study measured?
Using rating scales, observations and physiological measures
What did the saliva swabs measure in Reicher & Haslams study?
Assess cortisol levels - a measure of stress
How did the procedure go in Reicher & Haslams study?
- prisoners showed little group identification until group boundaries became impermeable
- prisoners identified as a group unlike the guards
- this low identify of the guards led to reduced regard for their authority
- the Unionist joined on day 5 and established a negotiating structure
- day 5 - prisoners started to challenge the guards
- day 6 prisoners broke out and into guards headquarters
- Study stopped on day 8
