Describe how Zimbardo investigated conformity to social roles. (Total 4 marks)

Model Answer:

Zimbardo investigated conformity to social roles using a mock prison experiment at Stanford University. He recruited 21 emotionally stable male volunteers who were randomly assigned to the roles of guards or prisoners. Guards were given uniforms, mirrored sunglasses, and truncheons, while prisoners were dehumanised by wearing smocks and being referred to by numbers. The study aimed to observe how participants conformed to their assigned social roles in a controlled setting.