Which of the following conclusions is supported by Philip Zimbardo's Stanford Prison Experiment?
A) Situational variables are powerful determinants of behavior.
B) An individual's personality is more important than situational factors in determining behavior.
C) Most people remain true to their principles, even when put into psychologically compelling situations.
D) People do not easily become deindividuated.
E) One's spiritual beliefs largely determine behavior.

Question

Which of the following conclusions is supported by Philip Zimbardo's Stanford Prison Experiment?
A) Situational variables are powerful determinants of behavior.
B) An individual's personality is more important than situational factors in determining 	behavior.
C) Most people remain true to their principles, even when put into psychologically 	compelling situations.
D) People do not easily become deindividuated.
E) One's spiritual beliefs largely determine behavior.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Stanford Prison Experiment demonstrated that situational variables such as the roles individuals are placed in can have a profound effect on their behavior. This is evidenced by the fact that the participants in the study, who were randomly assigned to be either guards or prisoners, quickly internalized their respective roles and began to act in ways that were consistent with those roles, even if it meant behaving cruelly or sadistically. The experiment suggests that situational factors can override an individual's personality or personal beliefs in determining behavior.

Which of the Following Conclusions Is Supported by Philip Zimbardo's