Zimbardo’s Research-AO1 Flashcards
What are social roles?
The parts people play as members of various social groups.
Conforming to a social is called what?
Identification.
What was the Aim?
How readily people would conform to the social roles of guard and prisoner. Also if the behaviour in prisons was because of the people or the environment of the prison.
Who participated in the study?
21 male students.
What were prisoners in?
They were blindfolded, strip searched, issued a uniform and only referred to by their number.
What were guards in?
Khaki uniform, whistles, handcuffs and dark glasses.
What did the guards behaviour look like?
Some guards began to harass prisoners and behaved in a brutal and sadistic manner.
What did the prisoners behaviour look like?
They “told tales” on each other to the guards. They took the prison rules very seriously.
What happened as prisoners became more submissive?
The guards became more aggressive and assertive.
What had to happen?
The study stopped after 6 day instead of 14.
Why did the study have to stop early?
The guards behaviour became a threat to the prisoner’s’ psychological and physical health.
Conclusions?
People quickly confirm to social roles even when the role goes against their moral principles. Situational factors were largely responsible.
