(Unit 1) Haney et al (1973)

Question 1

(Haney et al) Method used in the Zimbardo ‘Stanford prison Exp’.

Answer 1

Lab experiment - high control

Question 2

(Haney et al) Sample details of the Zimbardo ‘Stanford prison Exp’.

Answer 2

24 male Stanford University students
They were screened for psychological health. Those judged to be the most physically & mentally stable, the most mature, & the least involved in antisocial behaviours were chosen to participate & paid $15 per day to take part in the experiment.
They were randomly assigned without knowing initially to the role of prisoner or prison guard.

Question 3

(Haney et al) 2 roles assigned in the Zimbardo ‘Stanford prison Exp’.

Answer 3

Prisoners and Guards

Question 4

(Haney et al) How did the guards act in the Zimbardo study?

Answer 4

The ​guards began to harass prisoners​. Behaved brutally and sadistically while tormenting the prisoners.

Question 5

(Haney et al) How did the prisoners react in the study?

Answer 5

The prisoners became more and more passive and depressed and some became very anxious and were crying.

Question 6

(Haney et al) How many days did the Zimbardo study end up lasting?

Answer 6

Meant to last a fortnight, but day 6 he closed it down​ as there was real danger that someone might be physically or mentally damaged if it was allowed to run on. ​Half the prisoners left before 6 days.

Question 7

(Haney et al) What type of conformity is shown via the Zimbardo study?

Answer 7

identification - also showed that when we take on a role we lose our own identity and take on the identity connected with the role

Question 8

(Haney et al) 2 reasons why the Zimbardo study sample has limits of generalisation.

Answer 8

Only used men and carried out on US participants. The USA is an individualistic culture so may get different rates in collective cultures.

Question 9

(Haney et al) Why does the Zimbardo study suffer from low internal validity? (Be brief)

Answer 9

Taking on a role within the study may also have stopped Zimbardo from being able to be fully objective in what he was witnessing so the results may not be fully valid. It means he could’ve influenced the study

Question 10

(Haney et al) Why does the Zimbardo study suffer from low ecological validity? (Be brief)

Answer 10

Taking on a role within the study may also have stopped Zimbardo from being able to be fully objective in what he was witnessing so the results may not be fully valid. It means he could’ve influenced the study

Question 11

(Haney et al) Cost V benefit analysis of the Zimbardo study.

Answer 11

Bad treatment of prisoners may lead to prisoners committing suicide. This would result in court cases and taxpayers money being lost when investigating such cases. Having knowledge of these areas could lead to better training and reforms in prisons to help reduce prison guard brutality.

Question 12

(Haney et al) What is this study about?

Answer 12

Conforming to social roles & expectations

Question 13

(Haney et al) Aim

Answer 13

Investigate identification to social roles

Question 14

(Haney et al) Conclusion

Answer 14

Demonstrates how easily people can come to behave in uncharacteristic ways when placed in a new situation & given new roles