Reicher and Haslam (2006)

AIMS

> To investigate whether unequal roles were a natural consequence of group formation, or some form of internalisation of the social category to which they are assigned is necessary in order for compliance to occur.

METHOD

> They set up an experimental case study in order to examine intergroup relations between a group perceived to be dominant, and another perceived to be subordinate.

> The institutional setting > Elstree Film Studio in London. Prisoner and guard quarters were separated by a steel mesh fence.

> Prisoner's quarters had cells that could be locked, showers and an exercise yard. The guard's quarters had a dormitory, mess room and bathroom.

PARTICIPANTS

> Advertised for male participants in the form of leaflets and newspapers.

> 332 applicants responded to a series of questionnaires > to assess their personality and mental health.

> 27 men in total went on to be assessed by a clinical psychologist > medical records, police checks and character references were obtained for everyone.

> Final sample of 15 > selected due to their suitability, representing different ages, social classes and ethnic diversity.

ETHICS

> Those who were selected underwent careful medical screening which involved clinical, medical and background assessments in order to ensure that they would not suffer harm or harm others.

> Participants were given information about the study > which included what they may encounter and experience in terms of psychological and physical discomfort or stress. They were also told that they may be locked up and were to be watched at all times.

> Behaviours of the participants are monitored by a clinical psychologist as well as members of the ethics committee. Security guards were also instructed to intervene upon anything dangerous occuring. Paramedics were also available at all times.

> The ethics were approved by the University of Exeter as well as by the BPS.

PROCEDURE

> 15 male participants were randomly assigned to either the role of the guard or the role of the prisoner. This was done so using a carefully matched process.  They were then divided into 5 groups that matched eachother based on certain characteristics , eg racism, personality.

> One guard was randomly selected from each group , and the remaining 2 were assigned as prisoners.

> The guards were invited to a hotel the evening before the study began. They were then given information about the prison timetable, as well as their role > to ensure that the prisoner duties were performed. They were also asked to formulate a set of prison rules.

> The guards were not given direct instructions on how they should ensure that the prisoners behaved. Instead, they were given a list of prison rights, and told that physical violence was not permitted.

> Guards were escorted to the prison in a van, and briefed about the prison layout, the resources, and the surveillance systems. They were then given a uniform.

> 9 prisoners arrived one at a time, had their heads shaved…