Philip Zimbardo's Prison Experiment Involved Setting Up a Make-Believe Jail

question 53

Multiple Choice

Philip Zimbardo's prison experiment involved setting up a make-believe jail and randomly assigning male student volunteers to the roles of guards and prisoners.The researcher concluded that:

• A) existing personal relationships interfered with students' ability to assume their assigned roles
• B) behavior in prisons reflects individual personality characteristics of guards and prisoners
• C) behavior in prisons is strongly influenced by the nature of the prison setting
• D) because prisoners became violent toward the guards, the experiment had to be canceled early
• E) because students could not imagine what it is like to be in a prison situation, they were unable to carry out their assigned duties

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Definitions:

Group Phenomenon

Behaviors, attitudes, or outcomes that emerge from the interactions and dynamics within a group, not predictable by individual members' characteristics alone.

Differential Association Theory

A theory that proposes individuals learn deviant behavior through their interactions with others, especially when such interactions normalize deviance or crime.

Differential Association Theory

A criminological theory that suggests individuals learn criminal behavior through their interactions with others.

Learning Process

The activities involved in acquiring knowledge, behaviors, skills, values, or preferences, which can occur through different modes such as observation, instruction, or practice.