SOC 04 - Observations (MET) and Zimbardo Flashcards
What is a naturalistic observation?
Watching and recording behaviour in the setting within which it would normally occur
What is a controlled observation
Watching and recording behaviour in the setting within a structured environment, i.e. one where some variables are managed
What is a covert observation?
Participants’ behaviours is watched and recorded without their knowledge or consent
What is an overt observation?
Participants’ behaviours is watched and recorded with their knowledge or consent
What is a participant observation?
The researcher becomes a member of the group whose behaviour he/she is watching and recording
What is a non-participant observation?
The researcher remains outside if the group whose behaviour he/she is watching and recording
What does ‘replicability’ mean?
The extent to which scientific procedures and findings can be repeated by other researchers
What does ‘objectivity’ mean?
All sources of personal bias are minimised so as not to distort or influence the research process
What are social roles?
The ‘parts’ people play as members of various social groups. These are accompanied by expectations we and others have of what is appropriate behaviour in each role e.g. students are expected to be obedient, parents are expected to be caring
What was the procedure of Zimbardo’s stanford prison experiment?
- It was a mock prison set up in the basement of the psychology department at Stanford University
- They selected 21 male student undergraduate volunteers who were tested as ‘emotionally unstable’
- Students were randomly assigned to play the role of prison guard or prisoner
- Both groups were encourged to conform to their roles through their uniform and instructions about their behaviour
- Prisoners were given a loose smock and cap to cover their hair and were identified by numbers rather than their names
- The guards wore uniforms reflecting the status of their role, with wooden clubs, handcuffs and mirror shades
- Prisoners and guards were both encouraged to identify with their roles
What were the purpose of the uniforms on the SPE?
The uniforms created a loss of personal identity (called de-individuation) and meant they would be more likely to conform to the perceived social role
What were the findings of Zimbardo’s experiment?
- Guards took up their roles with enthusiasm, treating prisoners harshly which caused them to rebel within two days
- The guards used ‘divide-and-rule’ tactics by playing prisoners off against eachother
- Harrassed prisoners to remind prisoners of how powerless they were
- After the rebellion prisoners became more subdued, depressed and anxious
- One prisoner was released due to increased symptoms of psychological disturbance
- Zimbardo ended the experiment after 6 days instead of the intended 14 days
What were the conlcusions of Zimbardo’s experiment?
Social roles appear to have a strong influence on individuals’ behaviour (guards became brutal and prisoners became submissive).
What are the strengths and limitations of overt observations?
Strengths:
Allows informed consent to be
obtained
Limitations:
Behaviour may not be natural
behaviour as participants know
they are being observed
What are the strengths and limitations of covert observations?
Strengths:
Should mean that the behaviour
observed is natural
Limitations:
Informed consent is not sought
