Conformity to social roles

• Zimbardo wanted to investigate the effect of social roles on conformity
• SPE = the Stanford prison experiment
• Zimbardo et al set up a mock prison
• Zimbardo et al selected 21 male student volunteers tested as ‘emotionally stable’
• The volunteers in Zimbardo et als study were randomly assigned role of prison guard or prisoner, both the social roles were encouraged by uniform and instructions about behaviour
• The prisoners in Zimbardo et als study were strip-searched, given a uniform and number (encouraged de-individuation)and told they couldn’t leave without asking parole
• The guards in Zimbardo et als study had uniforms with handcuffs, wooden club and mirror shades (de-individuation), then told they had complete power over prisoners
• Finding of Zimbardo et als study: The guards took up their roles, treating prisoners harshly. Guards harassed prisoners to remind them of their powerlessness e.g. frequent headcounts including at night
• Finding of Zimbardo et als study: Within 2 days prisoners rebelled; ripped uniform, shouted, swore at guards
• Finding of Zimbardo et als study: Prisoners became subdued (sad), depressed and anxious = symptoms of psychological disturbance 
• Conclusion of Zimbardo et als study: Social roles appeared to have a strong influence of individual behaviour
• Zimbardo et als study was stopped after 6 days instead of the planned 14 days
• Strength of the SPE (Stanford prison experiment): Zimbardo and his colleagues had control over key variables e.g. selection of participants. This degree of control over variables increased the internal validity of the study, so we can draw more accurate conclusions about the influence of roles on conformity
• Limitation of Zimbardo et als study: Lacked the realism of a true prison. Banuazizi & Movahedi suggested the participants were merely play-acting based on stereotypes rather than conforming. This suggests the SPE (Stanford prison experiment) tells us little about conformity to social roles in actual prisons
• Limitation of SPE (Stanford prison experiment): Zimbardo may have exaggerated the power of social roles to influence behaviours. ⅓ guards behaved brutally, ⅓ applied rules fairly, ⅓ helped support the prisoners. This suggests the SPE overstates the view that the guards were conforming 
• Limitation of SPE (Stanford prison experiment): Ethical issues. No protection from harm, psychological damage. Conflict of interest as a psychologist, Zimbardo cared more about the research than the individuals wellbeing