What does the Zimbardo study tell us about conformity?

Conclusion. According to Zimbardo and his colleagues, the Stanford Prison Experiment revealed how people will readily conform to the social roles they are expected to play, especially if the roles are as strongly stereotyped as those of the prison guards.

Is Zimbardo an example of conformity?

Zimbardo’s Stanford prison experiment is an example of individuals conforming to particular social roles. Zimbardo carried out his experiment with 21 participants, they were selected as they were seen to be the most ‘stable’ after psychological testing.

What is Zimbardo’s research method?

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of being assigned to the role of either a prison guard or prisoner. Procedure/Method. The study is usually described as an experiment with the independent variable being the conditions the participants are randomly allocated to. Either prisoner or guard.

What does the Zimbardo experiment tell us about social roles?

The Stanford prison experiment demonstrated the power of social roles, norms, and scripts in affecting human behavior. The guards and prisoners enacted their social roles by engaging in behaviors appropriate to the roles: The guards gave orders and the prisoners followed orders.

What is meant by conformity to social roles?

Conformity to social roles is when an individual adopts a particular behaviour and belief, while in a particular social situation.

What is conformity in psychology with examples?

Conformity bias is the tendency to make decisions or judgments based on other people’s behavior. Once one person in a class cheats on a test, for example, others may be more willing to cheat because they see that it is acceptable to the group.

What’s an example of conformity?

In some cases of conformity, a person’s desire to fit in with a social group can interfere with the ability to make moral or safe decisions. One example is when a person drinks and drives because friends do it, or because friends assure that person he or she can safely do so.

Why is researching conformity important?

The Asch conformity experiments are among the most famous in psychology’s history and have inspired a wealth of additional research on conformity and group behavior. This research has provided important insight into how, why, and when people conform and the effects of social pressure on behavior.