Zimbardo (1973) stanford prison

Question 1

Sample

Answer 1

24 male volunteers who were all psychologically tested before.

Zimbardo found the participant through newspaper ads and flyers, recruiting male college students who were willing to participate in a study about prison life.

Question 2

Procedures:

Answer 2

• organised into prisoners and guards

• prisoners were arrested at home without them knowing (no consent), they were given id numbers to forget their identity.

• guards were given batons, uniform and reflective sunglasses (to avoid eye contact)

• zimbardo played the superintendent ( someone who manages/ oversees)

Question 3

Findings

Answer 3

• It only lasted 6 days instead of 14

• 5 prisoners were released due to the mental impact it had.

• Guards conformed to their roles and harrased the prisoners (showing the stereotypes of guards)

• they quickly adapted to the their roles, prisoners obeyed.

(highlights the power of conforming to social roles and obeying authority).

Question 4

Weaknesses (ethical issues)

Answer 4

Participants faced mental stress and harm. also arrested without consent.

Question 5

Wekanessss (lack of control)

Answer 5

The study’s conditions were hard to manage, affecting its reliability.

Question 6

Weaknesses (small sample size)

Answer 6

makes it harder to generalise findings to all people, only males.

Question 7

Strengths ( insightful findings )

Answer 7

Showed how situations can influence behaviour. highlighting the power of social roles.

Question 8

strengths(realistic stimulation)

Answer 8

Used a mock prison, which created a strong psychological effect.

Question 9

Strengths (increased awareness)

Answer 9

increased awareness about the impact of authority and conformity in society