Zimbardo (1973)

• Aim- to examinate situational forces versus dispositions in human behaviour. Wanted to expand on Milgram's research.
• Hypothesis- imposed social roles and environment of a prison would dominate the individual personalities of the participants.
• Procedure-

  • Converted a basement of Stanford psychology into a mock prison.
  • Advertised for asking for volunteers to participate in a study for psychological effects of prison life.
  • The 75 applicants were then interviewed to eliminate candidates with psychological problems, disability or history of crime or drug abuse.
  • 24 men were chosen
  • Ppts were randomly assigned to role of prisoner or guard.
  • Prisoners were treated like criminals.
  • Zimbardo observed the behaviour of the prisoners and guards whilst also acting as a prison warden.