ao1 - Zimbardo

• explain the procedure 1

  -zimbardo set up a mock prison in the basement of the psychology department of Stanford university

  -referred to as the Stanford prison experiment (SPE)

  student volunteer, 21 who were 'emotionally stable' after extensive emotional testing

  -randomly assigned to prisoner or guard

  -the 'prisoners' were 'arrested' in their homes by local police and taken to the 'prison'

  -the guards enforced rules, were given uniforms and were told they have complete control over the prisoners
• what did they wear and what instructions where they given for behaviour

  uniforms

  prisoner: loose smock and cap, identified by a number- never their name

  guard: shirts, mirrored shades, handcuffs

  instructions

  prisoner: had to 'apply for parole' if they wanted to leave. identify with their role through tasks and language

  guard: reminded that they have complete control
• what where the findings

  social roles: parts people play in their social groups and the expectations of what is appropriate behaviour ins that role

  guards conformed - treated prisoners harshly

  prisoners rebelled within two days - guards retailiated

  guards threatened the prisoners psychological and physical health

  study was stopped after 6 days. not 14
• what was the conclusion 


  social roles have a strong influence on individuals behaviour. Guards became brutal and prisoners became submissive.
• how many and what gender where the volunteers


  24

  male

  • no violent tendencies

  $15 a day
• what where the guards told to do


  'maintain a reasonable degree of order within the prison for its effective functioning'
• explain the procedure 2


  -the guards treated the prisoners harshly leading to the prisoners rebelling after two days

  -zimbardo found that the guards behaviour affected the prisoners psychological health, and three prisoners were released from the study early and the study being stopped after six days

  -social roles are powerful influences on behaviour