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HomeHomework HelppsychologyZimbardo Experiment

Zimbardo Experiment

The Zimbardo Experiment, conducted in 1971 by psychologist Philip Zimbardo, was a psychological study that examined the effects of perceived power and authority within a simulated prison environment, where participants were assigned roles as guards or prisoners. The experiment highlighted the influence of situational factors on behavior, demonstrating how individuals conform to social roles, often leading to abusive dynamics.

intermediate
2 hours
Psychology
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Overview

The Zimbardo Experiment, conducted in 1971, aimed to explore the psychological effects of perceived power by simulating a prison environment. Participants were assigned roles as guards and prisoners, leading to unexpected and extreme behaviors that highlighted the influence of situational factors ov...

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Key Terms

Social Psychology
The study of how people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others.

Example: Social psychology helps explain why people conform to group norms.

Role Conformity
The tendency to behave in ways that are consistent with the expectations of a social role.

Example: In the experiment, guards began to act aggressively as they conformed to their roles.

Authority
The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.

Example: The guards exercised authority over the prisoners, affecting their behavior.

Ethics
Moral principles that govern a person's behavior or the conducting of an activity.

Example: Ethics in research ensures the safety and well-being of participants.

Informed Consent
The process of obtaining permission from participants after informing them of the study's purpose and risks.

Example: Participants in psychological studies must provide informed consent before participating.

Psychological Harm
Negative psychological effects that can occur as a result of participation in research.

Example: Participants in the Zimbardo Experiment experienced significant psychological harm.

Related Topics

Milgram Experiment
A study on obedience to authority figures and the willingness to perform actions against personal conscience.
advanced
Asch Conformity Experiment
An experiment that demonstrated the power of conformity in groups and how it affects individual decision-making.
intermediate
Stanford Prison Experiment Ethics
A discussion on the ethical implications and lessons learned from the Zimbardo Experiment.
advanced

Key Concepts

social psychologyrole conformityauthority influenceethical considerations