Topic 6: The Effects of Imprisonment Key Study

Question 1

What is the aim of the study by Haney et al (1973)

Answer 1

To investigate whether dispositional or situational factors motivate aggressive and submissive behaviours within an institution.

Question 2

What was the sample?

Answer 2

24 Male Volunteers

Question 3

What was the sampling technique used?

Answer 3

Volunteer sampling via Newspaper add. 24/75 candidates were chosen based on their level of maturity, whether they were physically and mentally able and being the least antisocial.

Question 4

What was the IV of the experiment?

Answer 4

Randomly assigned Guard or Prisoner.

Question 5

What was the DV of the experiment?

Answer 5

Behaviour during the experiment recorded via video and audio, interviews and questionnaires.

Question 6

What was the specific aim of the experiment?

Answer 6

To observe how roles influenced behavior in a prison-like environment.

Question 7

What was the mock prison setup?

Answer 7

There were cells for prisoners, guard’s quarters, relaxation space, prison yard, and a room for solitary confinement.

Question 8

How long was the experiment?

Answer 8

Stayed for 24 hours a day for 2 Weeks.

Question 9

What was the role of the guards?

Answer 9

Briefed by Zimbardo (superintendent) to observe prisoner behavior (but both groups were observed). Wore uniforms, couldn’t make eye contact with prisoners, and worked in 8-hour shifts. No physical aggression allowed.

Question 10

What were the conditions like for the prisoners?

Answer 10

Surprised by mock arrests, stripped of individuality:

• Given rules to follow
• Numbers instead of names
• Wore uniforms (chains on ankles)
• Limited privileges (meals, exercise, reading/writing time)
• Compulsory work assignments

Question 11

Why did the simulation become more than just an experiment?

Answer 11

It become very believable.

Question 12

What percentage of conversations revolved around the prison experience?

Answer 12

90%

Question 13

What is the Pathological Prisoner Syndrome?

Answer 13

It is the initial rebellion which is later replaced by obedience and passivity but still displaying negative emotions.

Question 14

How did prisoners cope with their situation?

Answer 14

Being ‘good’ meaning obedient to the guards and being ‘sick’ meaning emotional distress.

Question 15

What was Pathology of Power among the guards?

Answer 15

The idea that guards enjoyed having power and control over the prisoners.

Question 16

How did guards treat prisoners impersonally?

Answer 16

By refusing to refer to the prisoners by their personal identities instead by their numbers.

Question 17

How did guards escalate their control over privileges?

Answer 17

Become hostile by replacing watching films as a privelege to sleep becoming a privelege.

Question 18

Why did prisoners stop caring about the money?

Answer 18

They were desperate to leave the experiment.

Question 19

How was identity loss created in the experiment?

Answer 19

Through uniforms and prisoner numbers instead of names.

Question 20

What effect did arbitrary control have on prisoners?

Answer 20

Punishments and rewards were unpredictable and unfair which resulted in helplessness from prisoners.

Question 21

How did dependency and emasculation affect prisoners?

Answer 21

Prisoners learned to depend on the guards for basic needs and were stripped of their masculinity.

Question 22

What are three conclusions that can be made from this study?

Answer 22

1. Behaviour can be explained situationally because behaviour changed based on the role that was given to individuals.
2. Findings should be used to inform guard training programmes.
3. There are some differences between how people manage their social roles.