Zimbardo conformity to social roles research Flashcards
PROCEDURE - What did zimbardo want to examine?
Zimbardo wanted to examine whether people would conform to the social roles of a prison guard or prisoner (in a mock prison environment)
PROCEDURE - What was the sample?
21 male American and Canadian college students deemed as psychologically healthy who volunteered
PROCEDURE - how did they eliminate candidates with psychological problems etc..?
Students were given diagnostic tests to eliminate candidates with psychological problems, medical disabilities, or a history or crime or drug abuse.
PROCEDURE - How were they allocated?
They were randomly allocated to either the role of a prisoner or guard
What uniforms were the guards and prisoners given?
Guards were given khaki uniforms and reflective sunglasses and a whistle
The prisoners were given a smock to wear with their ID number sewn on the front and back, a stocking cap and a heavy chain around their right ankle
What was the purpose of these uniforms?
These uniforms created a loss of identity called de-individuation and meant they would be more likely to conform to the perceived role
What instructions were they given about behaviour?
Guards were instructed to do whatever they thought was necessary to maintain law and order in the prison and to command the respect of the prisoners
The prisoners were further encouraged to identify with their role by serval procedures. For example, rather than leaving the study early, prisoners could apply for parole. The guards were encouraged to play their role by being reminded that they had complete power over the prisoners.
Where did it take place?
In the basement of Stanford University.
What was Zimbardos role in this study?
Zimbardo watched from afar, he played the role of superintendent.
What were the findings of the guards?
The guards quickly confirmed to their social roles. Some became increasingly brutal and aggressive (some appearing to enjoy the power they had over the prisoners)
They woke up at 2.30 am for a count and they stripped prisoners naked, took their beds away and placed some in solitary confinement for rebelling
The guards harassed the prisoners constantly to remind them of the powerlessness of their role
What were the findings of the prisoners?
They informed by followings the guards orders
Guards made prisoners do degrading tasks (clean toilets with their bare hands) and the prisoners listened.
After their rebellion was put down, the prisoners became depressed and anxious. One was released because he showed symptoms of psychological disturbance
Two more were so distressed that they had to leave the study early and one went on hunger strike
How did Zimbardo also conform to his role as superintendent?
The study was abandoned after 6 days
The guards behaviour towards the prisoners had become so degrading and inhumane it was clear that they had become immersed into their prison guard roles
Zimbardo himself became so immersed in his role as Prison superintendent, he found his ability to be unbiased was compromised, he failed to see what was happening around him
What were the conclusions of this study?
- Zimbardo believes that the study demonstrates the powerful effect social roles can have on peoples’ behaviour, especially if the roles are as strongly stereotyped
- Well balanced men became unpleasant and aggressive in the role of the guard
- Environment is powerful in changing our behaviour and indicates that bad situations rather than bad people create bad actions
