Forty Studies by Roger Hock was a compilation of historical research that changed psychology. In the book, Hock unraveled the complex nature of human beings thoughtfully interpreting the results of the study by explaining why the study was important. He expounds on the story of an influential psychologist named Zimbardo who studied the extent to which behavior is affected by the environment revealing one’s true identity (Hock, 2015).Zimbardo’s desire was to research how normal people would behave when placed in a situation exerting authority over people and the Prison set up exhibited most of the qualities required for the study. His research question examined the ability of powerful situations to overcome certain behavioral tendencies making us behave different and in a stronger manner (Zimbardo, 1972).
Methodology
An advertisement was placed in local newspapers in Stanford offering 15 dollars per day to anybody eager to enroll as a participant in a research study relating to prison life. 24 young men were selected from hundreds of volunteers and underwent various criminal and psychological tests. Zimbardo then randomly divided the group into two groups: Guards and prisoners. The prisoners were informed about the violation of privacy and civil rights and other extreme condition they would have to endure like minimal food and basic nutrition in order to complete the study (Zimbardo, 1972). During the commencement of the study the prisoners were arrested from their homes, handcuffed and transported to a Stanford fake prison while blind folded. In the facility they were forced to strip naked by the guards and their fingerprints were also taken. They had to change to prison attire and were chained around their ankles. The Guards, on the other hand worked 8 hour shifts and were allowed to go home and lead normal lives. They were also given Uniforms for guards, reflective sunglasses and nightsticks (Hock, 2015).
Results
The psychological effects of spending time in prison greatly impacted the prisoners and the guards and the test had to be terminated after 7 days. According to Zimbardo, the subjects began playing their respective roles and the conditions became extreme. The guards treated the prisoners harshly and normal college students were transformed in dehumanizing persons. The prisoners became docile and showed clear signs of depression and trauma.
Implications and Application
Zimbardo established the Lucifer effect truly exists and the environment was able to influence the behavior of students making them bad people or depressed. There was a rebellion breakout the research gave rise to controversial political topics and movements for prison reforms. Zimbardo’s effect allowed people to understand the impact, effect and purpose of correctional facilities on humanity showing that isolation and punishment transformed criminals to worse behaviors. The results from this study also allowed psychologists to understand the rampant prisoner abuse scandals and rebellion break outs in the world (Banks " Zimbardo, 1973).
Discussion Questions
1. Idfentity: What is the definition of identity? Do you have a different identity independent of how others define you? Is it possible to change another person’s identity depending on the situation?
2. Having understood the research by Zimbardo, explaining the corrosive effect that prisons have on human nature and behavior. Propose a recommendation to improve the correctional system in your country.
3. Ethics: According to Psychology. Was it ethical to conducting a study that traded the suffering experience of prisoners for the knowledge gained from this experiment?
4. Why do you think the prisoners attributed the brutality of the guards to their character or disposition rather than blaming the extreme prison situation? Consider being a prisoner in this experiment would you have endured the suffering?
References
A PRISON BY ANY OTHER NAME . . . Zimbardo, P. G. (1972). The pathology of imprisonment. Society, 9(6), 4-8.
Haney, C, Banks, W. C, " Zimbardo, P. G. (1973). Interpersonal dynamics in a simulated prison. International Journal of Criminology " Penology, 1, 69-97
Hock, R. R. (2015). Forty Studies that Changed Psychology, Global Edition. Pearson Education UK.
