Zimbardo’s research Flashcards
What was the aim of the study?
To investigate how readily people would conform to new social roles.
What method was used in the study?
Laboratory experiment.
What was the procedure of the study?
Using volunteer sampling, male volunteers were paid $15 a day to participate in a two week prison simulation. Participants were psychologically evaluated beforehand, and then assigned the random roles of a prison guard or a prisoner. Without informed consent, local police assisted with arresting 9 prisoners from their homes and taking them to the Stanford Prison. Guards wore uniforms with mirrored glasses and wooden batons, whilst prisoners wore smocks with hats and were de-individualised as they were only referred to by number. Zimbardo acted as both the prison superintendent and lead researcher, ensuring that there was no physical abuse. The study ended after six days only.
What were the results of the study?
Both guards and prisoners adapted to their assigned roles quickly. Guards became abusive and exhibited dehumanising behaviour, whilst prisoners became submissive to the guards and experienced emotional distress.
What is the conclusion of the study?
The conformity of the participants was due to adapting to stereotypical ideas about the roles they played, as well as the participants loss of identity when playing their roles.
