Psychology Chapter: Zimbardo's Experiment

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Questions and Answers

What does the Stanford Prison Experiment suggest about ordinary people?

They resist authority no matter the context.

They have a natural tendency to develop empathy.

They can be influenced to commit brutal acts by situational factors. (correct)

They are inherently violent in nature.

What was Zimbardo's role in the Stanford Prison Experiment?

A participant who acted as a prisoner.

An observer who documented the events.

An assistant warden who supported the guards.

An authority figure who interacted with the guards. (correct)

What does the phrase 'script of terror' imply in the context of the experiment?

A narrative outlining the horrors faced by historical prisoners.

Expectations and behaviors modeled for guards that promoted cruelty. (correct)

A detailed plan for prisoner rehabilitation.

Instructions given to prisoners on how to cope with their situation.

What ethical issue is raised by the Stanford Prison Experiment?

Guards were provided with too much freedom to punish prisoners. Signup and view all the answers

How did Zimbardo's lack of intervention affect the guards' behavior?

It encouraged them to act more brutally. Signup and view all the answers

Which historical context does the study relate to, as mentioned in the content?

Contemporary police violence. Signup and view all the answers

What did Browning’s study document regarding ordinary men?

Their compliance leading to catastrophic actions. Signup and view all the answers

What role did demand characteristics play in the Stanford Prison Experiment?

They prepared guards for the expectations of cruelty. Signup and view all the answers

What personality traits were more prevalent among those who agreed to participate in the prison study?

Authoritarian and Narcissistic Signup and view all the answers

In the authoritarian condition of Lovibond's study, what was the observed behavior of the guards?

Their behavior became toxic. Signup and view all the answers

What did Reicher and Haslam find regarding the roles of guards and prisoners?

Guards and prisoners developed a shared sense of identity. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following ethical considerations was taken into account in the BBC prison study?

The study was overseen by an ethics committee. Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior did only one third of the guards in the study exhibit towards prisoners?

Became sadistic. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about people accepting roles within a prison study?

Acceptance of roles is contingent on identification with the role. Signup and view all the answers

What commonality was found among guards during the BBC prison study?

They debated their roles and responsibilities. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome for prisoners in situations where the guards treated them with respect and inclusion?

They experienced a benign and tolerant regime. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary aim of Zimbardo's Stanford Prison Experiment?

To understand how social roles impact individual behavior Signup and view all the answers

In which phase did the guards begin to take their roles more seriously and exhibit authoritative behavior?

The galvanization phase Signup and view all the answers

What role did Zimbardo assume during the Stanford Prison Experiment?

Prison superintendent Signup and view all the answers

What ethical concern is primarily associated with the Stanford Prison Experiment?

Informed consent issues Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase captures the essence of the transformation that occurred in participants during the study?

The duality of human nature Signup and view all the answers

During the experiment, how did the guards divide the prisoners to maintain control?

Through divide and rule tactics Signup and view all the answers

How long did the Stanford Prison Experiment last before it was terminated?

6 days Signup and view all the answers

What behavior was NOT exhibited by the guards during the intense phases of the study?

Offering medical assistance Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the Stanford Prison Experiment reflected in the behavior of the guards?

Emergence of violent tendencies Signup and view all the answers

What premise underlies the significance of the Stanford Prison Experiment in social psychology?

It emphasized the role of situational factors in shaping behavior Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Stanford Prison Experiment Overview

Conducted by Philip Zimbardo in the early 1970s at Stanford University.
Aimed to study the impact of assigned social roles on behavior.
Involved 75 male college students, with 24 chosen as participants for their psychological stability.

Experiment Setup

Participants randomly assigned to roles of guards or prisoners.
Prisoners subjected to mock arrest, processed by police, and placed in small cells (6 x 9 feet).
Guards wore uniforms and sunglasses, commanded to be addressed as "Mr. Correctional Officer."

Phases of the Experiment

Phase One: Initial settling-in period with awkwardness; guards and prisoners not fully adopting roles.
Phase Two: Guards assert authority; prisoners retaliate, leading to rebellion.
Phase Three: Escalation of brutality and control; guards become increasingly violent and abusive.

Psychological Impact

Zimbardo observed that participants quickly conformed to their roles, with individuals like himself deeply affected.
Noted significant psychological distress among prisoners, with one experiencing an emotional breakdown after six days.

Long-term Consequences

The study had to be halted after six days due to the extreme behavior exhibited.
Illustrates how normal individuals can commit brutal acts under situational pressures.
Documented parallels with historical events, such as the Holocaust and torture committed in recent conflicts.

Critique and Methodological Considerations

Zimbardo acknowledged the potential for his role to influence guard behavior, raising questions about ethical oversight.
Demand characteristics of the study may have shaped participants' actions; guards created a "script of terror."
External influences from assistants, particularly the assistant warden, contributed to the guards’ abusive tactics.

Participant Characteristics

Research indicated that volunteers for the study tended to have authoritarian and narcissistic traits, with lower empathy levels.
Only a third of guards displayed sadistic behavior, while others were kind or fair.

Alternative Studies

Lovibond study in Australia found that the nature of prison conditions (democratic vs. authoritarian) significantly affected guard behavior.
The BBC prison study (Reicher & Haslam) displayed how identity and resistance can develop among prisoners, showing a more humanistic dynamic than seen in the SPE.

Key Takeaways

The SPE emphasized situational factors over dispositional characteristics in predicting behavior.
Highlights the importance of social identity and group dynamics in influencing responses to authority.
Suggests that roles are accepted when integrated with individuals' self-concept; individuals can resist oppressive roles when they form a shared sense of identity.

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Description

Explore the dynamics and psychological transformations outlined in Zimbardo's famous 1971 prison experiment. This quiz delves into themes of authority, dehumanization, and the impact of situational roles on behavior. Understand how both guards and prisoners adapted to their roles in this controversial study.