Describe the procedure of Zimbardo’s research into social roles. (Total 6 marks)

Model Answer:

Zimbardo’s research involved 21 emotionally stable male volunteers who were selected after psychological screening. These participants were randomly assigned to the roles of either prisoners or guards in a mock prison set up at Stanford University. The guards were given authority and provided with uniforms, mirrored sunglasses, and truncheons to establish their role. In contrast, the prisoners were dehumanised by wearing smocks, stocking caps, and being referred to only by assigned numbers rather than names. The study was designed to observe how individuals conformed to their social roles within the simulated prison environment. The interactions between guards and prisoners were monitored, and Zimbardo himself acted as the prison superintendent.