Zimbardo

Question 1

SPE experiment

Answer 1

Mock prison set up in basement of psych lab in Stamford uni
21 ‘emotionally stable’ male voulneteers selected and were randomly assigned to prisoner or guard
Both groups encouraged to conform

Question 2

Role of uniform in SPE

Answer 2

Prisoners given loose smock to wears and a cap to cover their hair
Only identified by a number
Guards wore a uniform reflecting status

Uniform created de-individuation

Question 3

How did people leave the SPE?

Answer 3

‘Apply for poroale’

Question 4

Findings of the guards?

Answer 4

Enthusiastic
Treated the prisoners harshly
Used ‘divide and rule’ tactics
Harassed prisoners constantly to remind them of their powerless position

Question 5

Findings of the prisoners?

Answer 5

Within 2 days the prisoners rebelled
Became depressed and anxious
3 prisoners released due to psychological disturbances

Question 6

Conclusions

Answer 6

Social roles have a strong influence on individuals behaviour
Guards were brutal prisoners were submissive

Question 7

Aim of SPE

Answer 7

Understand the psychological impact of situational forces by observing it typical healthy people would conform to their social roles

Question 8

Social roles

Answer 8

A socially defined pattern or behaviour that is expected of persons who occupy certain social position or belong to a particular social catagory

Question 9

What did zimbardo say the intense aggression within the US prison system was from?

Answer 9

Situational factors
The environment of the prison created conformity to the social roles created by the SPE

Question 10

Procedure

Answer 10

24 male students volunteered to participate in a 7-14 day study
They received $15 per day
Randomly assigned prisoner or guard

Question 11

Prisoner experiences

Answer 11

Unexpected arrests at home
Given uniform and ID
placed in small mock prison cell