conformity : social roles (SPE) ao1

Question 1

define social role

Answer 1

the parts people play as members of various social groups. eg a teacher adopts a particular behaviour in a particular social situation (teaching)

Question 2

who conducted stanford prison expiriment

Answer 2

zimbardo et al

Question 3

sample of SPE

Answer 3

sample; 24 male university students who volunteered in response to newspaper advert

Question 4

location of SPE

Answer 4

basement of stanford uni turned into mock prision where zim was warden
done in attempts to make study as realisti as possible

Question 5

describe the procedure of zimbardos research into social roles (6)

Answer 5

• ppts selected from all volunteers based on physical and mental stability
• each ppt randomly assinged to role of prisoner or guard
• prisoners were arrested
  unexpectedly by real local police, fingerprinted, stripped down. numbered smock to wear with chains placed around ankles
• guard given uniforms reflective sunglasses handcuffs and a club
• paid $15 per day
• observational study in basement at Stanford university
• zimbardo took the role of prison superintendent
• planned duration of 2 weeks but stopped after 6 days

Question 6

how long was SPE meant to last for

Answer 6

2 weeks

Question 7

what did uniforms create for guards

Answer 7

created a loss of personal identity - de-individuation this meant they were more likely to conform to the role

Question 8

what instructions were given prisoners and guards

Answer 8

prisoners were told that instead of leaving study early they could “apply for parole”
guards were instructed to run the prison without using physical violence
both prisoners and guards encourged to conform to their social roles through uniform worn and instructions given

Question 9

findings of SPE

Answer 9

• both prisoners and guards quickly identified with their roles
• within days the prisoners rebelled but this was quickly crushed by the guards who then grew increasingly abusive toward prisoners
• the guards dehumanised the prisoners waking them up during the night forcing them to clean toilets with their bare hands
• caused prisoners to become increasingly submissive and identidy w their role more

Question 10

findings of SPE - people leaving and time of it ending

Answer 10

5 prisoners had to be relased from study early due to mental and physical torment eg crying and extreme anxiety
one prisoner went on hunger strike
expiriment was set to run for 2 weeks but it was terminated after 6 days due to inhumane conditions

Question 11

conclusions of SPE

Answer 11

• ppl quickly conform to social roles even if it goes agianst their moral principles
  (guards became brutal, prisoners submissive)
• situational factors largely responsible
• none of the ppt demonstrated this kind of behaviour previously