Zimardo's Prison Study

Subdecks (2)

Cards (17)

  • aim
    -study identification in social roles
  • procedure
    -25 physically & mentally fit Ps
    -agreed to take part in mock prison set up
    -assigned either prisoner or guard
    -police recruited to 'arrest' 9 'prisoners' from homes
    -referenced by number
    -3 'guards' on shift at once wearing uniforms
  • findings
    -Ps conformed to roles
    -study had to be discontinued after 6 days
    -guards became 'creative in their evil'
    -made prisoners wash toilet with bare hands, caused sleep deprivation
    -prisoners exhibited passive behaviour, depression, crying & anxiety
  • impact on prisoners
    -depression
    -anxiety
    -passive behaviour
    -sleep deprivation
    -rashes
    -crying
  • conclusion
    -demonstrates how easily people can come to behave uncharacteristically when placed in new situation with new roles
  • what happened to prisoners when they entered study?

    -arrested by police
    -taken blindfolded to 'prison'
    -stripped
    -sprayed with disinfectant
    -given smocks to wear
    -prison numbers to memorise