Zimbardo

• Procedure:

  • mock prison at Stanford Uni. Advertised for students willing to volunteer, selected the 'emotionally stable' ones (after psychological testing)
  • randomly assigned roles of guards or prisoners. Prisoners were arrested in their homes, delivered to the 'prison', blindfolded, strip-searched and issued a uniform and number
  • Social roles were strictly divided: Prisoners' daily routines were regulated (16 rules) and only their numbers were used
  • Guards had their own uniform, wooden club and handcuffs. They were told they had complete power over the prisoners
• Findings:

  • after slow start, guards took up their role with enthusiasm. Their behaviour became a threat to prisoners’ psychological and physical health and the study was stopped after 6 days instead of the intended 14