Stanford prison experiment.

Question 1

Describe the procedure.

Answer 1

21 Male university students who volunteered by responding to a newspaper advert.

Participants chosen based on mental and physical stability.

Randomly assigned to the role of prisoner or guard.

Guards were given uniforms, dark glasses and truncheons and instructed to run the prison without violence.

Prisoners were arrested at home by local police, stipped and given a numbered smock.

Taken to mock prison in the basement of Stanford University.

Due to run for 2 weeks.

Question 2

Results of the study.

Answer 2

Both prisoners and Guards quickly identified with their roles.

Within days, prisoners rebelled.

Guards became increasingly abusive.

Prisoners became increasingly submissive. Some released early due to adverse reactions.

The study was terminated after 6 days.

Question 3

Conclusions.

Answer 3

People conform to social roles even if it conflicts with morals.

Situational factors largely responsible.

None of the participants had displayed these behaviours previously.

Question 4

Evaluation points.

Answer 4

+ Real world application: Abu Ghraib.

• Fromm: lack of consideration for individual differences.
• Unethical.

+ Controlled: participants selected based on physical and mental stability.