Which statement best describes Zimbardo's research into conformity to social roles?

Which statement best describes Zimbardo's research into conformity to social roles?

• A. 24 American males volunteered; prisoners wore smocks and caps and had identity numbers; guards wore uniforms with tinted shades.
• B. The experiment lasted 14 days as planned and produced no notable effects.
• C. It included female participants as guards and male prisoners.
• D. It had no ethical concerns.

Answer: (A)

Zimbardo’s study shows how people can strongly conform to the roles they’re assigned when placed in a controlled social environment. In the Stanford Prison Experiment, 24 American male volunteers were randomly assigned to be prisoners or guards in a mock prison. The setup described—prisoners wearing smocks and caps with identity numbers, guards in uniforms with tinted sunglasses—created a clear authority structure that participants rapidly embodied. Although the plan was to run for 14 days, the study was stopped after about six days because of escalating abuse and distress, highlighting how situational factors can drive people to conform to roles. The other statements don’t fit: the experiment did not include female participants, it did produce notable effects and was stopped early, and there were significant ethical concerns raised.

Zimbardo’s study shows how people can strongly conform to the roles they’re assigned when placed in a controlled social environment. In the Stanford Prison Experiment, 24 American male volunteers were randomly assigned to be prisoners or guards in a mock prison. The setup described—prisoners wearing smocks and caps with identity numbers, guards in uniforms with tinted sunglasses—created a clear authority structure that participants rapidly embodied. Although the plan was to run for 14 days, the study was stopped after about six days because of escalating abuse and distress, highlighting how situational factors can drive people to conform to roles. The other statements don’t fit: the experiment did not include female participants, it did produce notable effects and was stopped early, and there were significant ethical concerns raised.