Zimbardo

• What was the aim for Zimbardo's study?

  To investigate whether people would conform to the social roles of a prison guard or prisoner when placed in a mock prison environment.

  To investigate whether behaviours displayed in prisons are due to internal dispositional factors (the people themselves) or external situational factors (the environment and conditions of the prison).
• The procedure in Zimbardo's study:

  • Conducted in a controlled, participant observation. Set up a mock prison in the basement at Stanford University.
  • There were 24 U.S male student volunteers who tested as 'emotionally stable', 21 were selected to complete the study. They were randomly assigned to play the role as a guard or a prisoner whom were both encouraged to play their social roles.
• The procedure in Zimbardo's study:

  • Each prisoner was given some rights, e.g. 3 meals a day, a uniform and an ID number which they would be referred to as during the study. They were also stripped naked and their personal belongings were taken. Each guard was given a uniform with whistles, clubs and sunglasses. Zimbardo took the role of a prison super intendent and the researcher.
• Why may Zimbardo's study not be considered a study but an observation?

  Zimbardo never determined an independent variable.
• What were the findings from Zimbardo's study?

  The study was planned for 2weeks but finished after 6 days.

  The guards treated the prisoners harshly. Within 2 days the prisoners rebelled by ripping their clothes and shouting abuse at the guards. These guards retaliated and started using a 'divide and rule' tactic. After the rebellion certain prisoners became subdued, depressed and anxious. One prisoner went on a hunger strike and the guards tried to force feed him and punished him by sending him to the 'hole'.
• What was the conclusion of Zimbardo's study?

  That social roles have a strong influence on individuals' behaviour. The guards became aggressive and the prisoners became subdued.
• A guard displayed demand characteristics in Zimbardo's study. What are demand characteristics?

  When the guard guesses the aim of the study and can act how they want him to or against.