PSY 530 9-2 Final Submission

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1 Conformity, Dehumanization and Bullying PSY 530-X2229 Social Psychology 9-2 Final Project: Submission Stanford Prison Experiment Amber Brown Dr. Laura Green 02/01/24

2 Conformity, Dehumanization and Bullying Introduction Conformity refers to individuals adjusting their thoughts, behaviors, or attitudes to align with the majority or to please others in order to be safe. People tend to want to please others or act in a certain way just to fit in. Conforming to peer pressure or societal factors seems to be the new way of life. The research studies will be presenting conformity plays a significant role as participants and students either conformed to their assigned roles or their lifestyle and social dynamics. The studies highlighted how individuals can adopt and conform to expected behaviors within a specific social context. This paper will show how individuals conform to societal expectations regarding behaviors or adhere to established norms. Dehumanization refers to the process of treating individuals or groups as if they are less human. The Stanford Prison Experiment played a huge role in dehumanization as the participants who played as guards exhibited behaviors that stripped prisoners of human dignity. This dehumanization contributed to the dehumanization of the deterioration of ethical boundaries within the prison environment. Bullying is considered as intentional, aggressive and repeated behavior to show an individual of power who targets a person with the intention to cause harm whether it is physical, mental, verbal or emotional harm. This behavior comes from a displaced anger when a person has no freedom pr a loss of power in their regular lives. This is displayed in the modern study that will be presented in this paper. Summarize The two types of research used in this assessment were done during different time periods and by different researchers. The Stanford Experiment by Philip Zimbardo was done in 1971

3 Conformity, Dehumanization and Bullying using a simulated prison as its environment. The present study by Muhopilah, Pipih, Tentama, Fatwa, and Yuzarion in 2021. These studies both talk about conformity in a different manner. The research question from Zimbardo study was “What are the psychological effects of becoming a prisoner or prison guard in a simulated prison environment? The results of the study showed that participants adapted to the assigned roles as guards or prisoners. The guards displayed authoritarian behavior and the prisoners conformed to their roles and became timid, fearful and compliant (Bouchard, D. 2019 p 406). The guards dehumanized the prisoners causing them emotional and psychological distress. This caused the experiment to be terminated after six days though the experiment was to last two weeks. The conclusion of this experiment has raised ethical concerns because of the psychological harm that was imposed on participants (Bouchard, D. 2019 p 417). This study demonstrated the importance of situational factors in human behavior. The study also showed how the role of social situations relates to shaping human behavior. The study concluded with researchers and APA taking a deeper look at research ethics and responsible conduct of psychological experiments. The research question from the modern study was “What is the relationship between authoritarian parenting, extraversion personality, conformity, and bullying among students, and how do these factors interact in the school context?” The results from this study showed the effect on authoritarian parenting has a significant effect on bullying behavior in adolescents (Muhopilah, P., Tentama, F., & Yuzarion. 2021p 489). The result of this study also shows that lack of freedom at home is also a cause of bullying. Other results from this study show that conformity has a positive and incredibly significant effect on bullying (Muhopilah, P., Tentama, F., & Yuzarion. 2021p 489). Bullying occurs because of the need to conform, peer pressure and peer support causes adolescents to engage in negative situations to gain attention and become

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4 Conformity, Dehumanization and Bullying more popular. The study concluded by showing how authoritarian parenting directly relates to the causes of bullying. This study also provides the link between extraversion personality and bullying showing that kids assert dominance to those who are less dominant to gain popularity and fit in. This study concluded that the higher the conformity the higher chance of bullying (Muhopilah, 2021 p 489). The results in the study are reliable and valid and adhere to APA guidelines meaning that this study can be used as a reference to explain bullying theoretically and practically in adolescents. Approaches The social psychological approaches used in the studies presented were social identity theory which suggest that individuals place themselves and others into social groups that can lead to either favoritism or out casting discrimination Social Identity Processes: Trends in Theory and Research . (2000 p 62) In the Stanford Experiment participants were randomly assigned roles of guards or prisoners this created distinct social groups with guards being superior to prisoners (Bouchard, D. 2019 p 411). This also influenced their interactions with each other. In the modern study social identity theory can be applied to this as students who have authoritarian parents assume the role of a bully which also created social groups and a separation of those who may feel and be treated as outcasts. Another psychological approach that relates to the research would be conformity and obedience which explains how individuals adjust their behavior to fit the expectations of the majority. In the SPE guards adjusted their behavior by stepping out of their normal characteristics and becoming what they thought a prison guard would be or act like (Bouchard, D. 2019 p 413). They displayed a narcissistic and authoritarian behavior. In the modern study students adjusted their behavior to be more popular by displaying an extraversion personality becoming somewhat of a leader where

5 Conformity, Dehumanization and Bullying everyone followed their authoritarian bullying behavior. They conformed to a particular role to become something that they are not at home. Deindividuation is when a person loses their sense of identity that leads to impulsive or deviant behavior. Both studies showed this psychological approach as guards became bullies and in the modern study students also became bullies displaying dominance and abusive behaviors. Theories and Past Research Zimbardo’s SPE was influenced by a combination of social psychological theories and past research. Milligram’s Obedience Experiment more than likely influenced SPE because Zimbardo was curious in understanding how individuals would conform to authority in somewhat a different context. Social role theory was when Zimbardo assigned specific roles and studied how these roles may have influenced behavior. Deindividuation Theory influenced the design of the SPE as the experiment used uniforms and removed individuals’ identity through assigned roles which impacted their behavior throughout the study. Cognitive Dissonance Theory also could be applied to SPE since guards engaged in harsh treatment of prisoners and they justified their actions by stating it was aligned with their assigned roles. In the modern study correlation research made up of questions and surveys to collect data was different that past research which used the experimental approach. The approaches showed the major change in social psychological studies throughout history, Studies such as SPE and Milligram’s Obedience Experiment were unethical and psychologically damaging ( Miller, A. G. 2014). Even though I do believe that social psychological studies have an impact on our day-to-day life the field itself has not changed much. The way research is conducted and how data is collected has changed drastically due to technology and APA ethics and standards. Changed over time

6 Conformity, Dehumanization and Bullying Social dynamics and the impact and the psychological effects of authority was the main focus of both studies. Stanford Prison Experiment focuses on the effects of power and authority in a simulated prison environment, while the modern study focused more on the relationship between authoritarian parenting, personality traits, conformity and bullying among students. Both studies, though held in different environments, show how human behavior tends to conform to one’s situation rather than stand out. Both studies showed the influence of authority figures. The Stanford study used guards in a simulated prison giving them authority leading to abusive behaviors. In modern study it is showed authoritarian parenting is linked to bullying behavior, this highlighted the role of parental authority and how it shaped student conduct. Also, both studies observed psychological distress among participants. The Stanford participants, mainly the prisoners, experienced acute emotional distress and breakdowns because of the guards and the environment. The modern study showed how a lack of freedom at home can lead to emotional distress among students (Muhopilah, P., Tentama, F., & Yuzarion. 2021p 486). The differences of the studies start with the context and setting The SPE used a simulated prison environment which involved college students acting as guards and prisoners. The modern study took place in a middle school and its main focus was on the influence of parenting, personality traits, and conformity in context of bullying. Then there was the time period the SPE was held in 1971 and the modern study was done in 2021. The time period shows the changes in societal norms, educational environments, and parenting styles. Even though both studies investigated authority and power, The SPE was more focused on role playing in a controlled environment. The modern study took a dive into parenting styles, personality traits and conformity which provided insight on the nature of bullying (Muhopilah, P., Tentama, F., & Yuzarion. 2021). Social psychology has evolved because of the way we collect data, gather information and measure our results are

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7 Conformity, Dehumanization and Bullying different than past studies. The SPE used a simulated prison to gather results, collect data and test its theory. The modern study used questionnaires to gather the information of its participants. Modern study is less invasive as they rely on APA ethical standards of first doing no harm and maintaining confidentiality opposed to the past study which caused psychological harm. Human Behavior Throughout the 60’s and 70’s there was a real interest in obedience and authority as shown by SPE and Milgram in context of social roles and power dynamics. Also, back then there was a debate between situationism and dispositions by focusing on the impact of situational factors on behavior. This was to challenge those behaviors determined by personality traits. In social psychology during the past there was a fascination with social influence and how individuals conform to social norms Zimbardo capitalized on this fascination by creating a controlled environment (Bouchard, D. 2019 p 413). In the later years post 2000s the main focus and influence has been on ethical considerations and concerns about obtaining consistent results of research findings. Social psychology in the present has started to recognize the importance of diversity and cultural psychological research as it has had an influence on present studies ( Power, S. A., & Velez, G. 2022 p 944). Today researchers investigate how cultural factors shape social behaviors, reflecting on the understanding of human behavior. Since the past focused on negative factors of psychology, present research has trended towards focusing on factors that contribute to well- being and positive social interactions. Contemporary social psychology explores positive pro social dimensions and not just negative human behavior. Technology has expanded the way research is done, how data is collected and the advancement of statistical techniques ( Power, S. A., & Velez, G. 2022 p 947).

8 Conformity, Dehumanization and Bullying The publishing of the results and conclusions of these studies and other past studies has and continues to have an impact on human behavior. The SPE upon publication had a significant impact on the perception of authority figures and how they may abuse power. We as humans look at this as a guide in our everyday lives as we compare bosses, police, political parties and even the presidents as we have seen them in the past abuse power. This study has led to increased awareness of the potential dangers associated with authority figures who have unchecked power ( Brady, F. N., & Logsdon, J. M. 1988). Ethical concerns about the SPE received scrutiny in the scientific community about the treatment of participants. This sparked the development of ethical guidelines as they needed to be reinforced to emphasize the importance of informed consent and do no harm in psychological studies. The publication of the modern study shed light on the negative effects of bullying of both victims and perpetrators as there are causes to why people become bullies. The information from this publication released public awareness and the understanding of the consequences of bullying. This also may prompt individuals to reevaluate their own behavior and try to contribute to a more empathetic and supportive social environment. The modern study highlights the influence of personality traits, extraversion personality on bullying behavior. This showed people with prominent levels of extraversion may become more aware of their own behavior and how it would impact others. Educators, Counselors and Psychologists may be able to address the needs of students with specific personality traits to get a better understanding of individual differences. This study inspires researchers to replicate this study or expand it, getting deeper into what the thought and needs are. Research Trends During the 1960s and 1970s the SPE was aligned with the trends of the times as a lot of experiments were geared toward obedience to authority and conformity. Milligram’s experiment

9 Conformity, Dehumanization and Bullying was also during this time period, and it aimed to understand obedience to authority ( Miller, A. G. 2014). Even though SPE did align its experiment with the times the ethical norms and standards did not align with it. The emotional and psychological distress on participants caused by the study raised ethical concerns and started debates about the treatment of participants in research studies. The findings of the study were widely publicized as it showed the perception of authority and the abuse of power ( Perry, G. 2018). This contributed to the social awareness that psychological dynamics can cause oppressive behavior in structured environments. In the modern study it also aligned with the trends and times. Bullying, suicide and strict or authoritarian behavior has been widely discussed globally for years now as teen suicide rates increased over time due to bullying. Since the research aligns with existing trends it looks to be more credible and well received by the general public including policy makers and scholars. Influence on Society Understanding authority, conformity and power dynamics explained by the SPE contributed to a deep understanding of social psychology. The SPE observed behaviors of participants in a simulated prison where it shed light on abuse of power and the impact of situational factors on human behavior. The controversy surrounding the SPE prompted a revision of ethical standards in psychological experimental research. This revision improved research practices and made sure that informed consent and the participants’ well-being a priority. In the modern study it highlights authoritarian behavior, and peer conformity as potential risk for bullying. Identifying these issues as stated in the research study allows parents, educators and policy makers to address these issues early on. This could possibly lead to interventions and support systems being put in place. The modern study could possibly encourage parents to reconsider their parenting style as the research shows authoritarian parenting increases the risk of

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10 Conformity, Dehumanization and Bullying bullying. This information being provided could contribute to more nurturing and supportive parenting styles. Implementing anti bullying programs, evidence-based interventions and having support systems throughout the school districts and community outreach can help emphasize the academic impact of bullying. Policymakers can use the findings of the modern study to develop policies aimed bullying prevention ( Rodriguez, J. 2023). With evidence-based policies it has the potential to create a supportive social environment within the schools and communities. Negative Impact The SPE was completely criticized for its unethical discrepancies such as the psychological harm that was done to participants, the extreme conditions in which the simulated prison caused emotional distress and trauma that may have caused lasting effects ( Hung Li- Ching, & Smith Cary. 2008). The lack of informed consent and well-being of participants was publicly scrutinized. The SPE also lead to stereotyping about human behavior and those that we consider authority figures. The oversimplification of the experiment and those consider to be in power can have negative implications when trying to understand real world scenarios ( Perry, G. 2018). Since the modern study emphasizes that certain personality traits, parenting styles or peer pressure as predictors of bullying, there is a risk of coding individuals with those characteristics. That would lead to people responding unfairly and creating a negative stereotypical environment for people who don’t conform to what is perceived normal ( Cho, Y., & Chung, O.-B. 2012). If the modern study strongly suggests that authoritarian parenting and personality traits lead to bullying parents may be blamed for s child’s behavior even if the parent doesn’t display this type of parenting. Everyday Life

11 Conformity, Dehumanization and Bullying In today’s society the way SPE can be applied would be by businesses and institutions understanding authority dynamics and designing leadership structures that could help to minimize the abuse of power for those who are in leadership roles ( Power, S. A., & Velez, G. 2022). Law enforcement would also need to have training programs for addressing abuse of authority where they have power of others. These programs may help change stereotypes about law enforcement. The training should incorporate things such as positive interactions between individual and ethical behavior. In the modern study some things from this research that can be applied to everyday life could be providing parenting education programs that could provide strategies for positive parenting, open communication and help make positive parent child relationships. Schools could implement anti bullying programs that could focus on creating a positive school culture and reduce bullying within the school. One way that may be particularly important would be to advocate and support mental health initiatives or programs. This would mean providing a positive support and outlet for those who are victims and perpetrators of bullying. Social Change The Stanford Prison Experiment had a positive impact on the change of ethical guidelines as the experiment had raised ethical concerns with its methods. This allowed for scientists and researchers to reevaluate prior ethical standards and implement guidelines and policies that promoted ethical consideration and protection of participants. This study also has had a negative effect on society as it has given a negative influence on the perception of authority ( Hung Li- Ching, & Smith Cary. 2008). In today’s society we look at authority figures as narcissists and people who abuse power. In society we never give them the benefit of the doubt and I believe this could directly relate to the SPE. In the modern study social change could be implemented in

12 Conformity, Dehumanization and Bullying a positive way by having policymakers implement anti bullying policies. The study could enforce stricter consequences for bullying, provide resources for mental health support and even implement educational outreach programs to give both victims and perpetrators healthy and safe outlet ( Cho, Y., & Chung, O.-B. 2012). There could even be a digital citizenship initiative where community organizations and schools implement education on online behavior and help reduce the constant growth of cyber bullying. Personal or Professional Experience A scenario in which social psychological research could be implied to influence change would be in my role as an assistant teacher within the urban school district that I work for I noticed that there were challenges related to positions and roles amongst staff. Teachers treated and felt that assistant teachers were less than and not equal partners within the learning and teaching community of students. The school started to become divided, and tension started to build. When I recognized the divide, I decided to talk to my principal to see what we could do to change the culture of our building and help us work together as a collaborative team. Drawing from Social Identity Theory, my principal conducted professional development workshops on teacher assistant relationships and how to collaborate in the classroom ( Rodriguez, J. 2023). The professional developments were aimed at teaching teachers our roles and expectations in the classroom for scholars and how they should collaborate with us instead of treating us as unequal partners. This was to help build culture in the classroom and make a comfortable environment not just for the staff but for the students. Over the course of the year there has been a noticeable improvement in employee satisfaction and collaboration. Addressing social identity, bias and positive psychology practices contributed to a more positive workplace environment ( Rodriguez, J. 2023).

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13 Conformity, Dehumanization and Bullying Influential Social Psychology has been influential in understanding and changing behavior in society as it has given positive and valuable insight on human behavior, social interactions and what influences individuals and groups ( Power, S. A., & Velez, G. 2022). Social psychology helps in understanding decision making, how individuals interact with each other and even how they form attitudes. Social psychologist has developed interventions to help in behavior change in order to modify attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors ( Power, S. A., & Velez, G. 2022). Something that I feel is especially important is the social psychological research has helped to develop policies that address societal issues. This means that policies have been put into place to create solutions that has to deal with discrimination, prejudice, diversity and even inclusion to help make equitable solutions for society as a whole ( Power, S. A., & Velez, G. 2022). The aspects of psychological research influences change in our everyday lives rather it be understanding consumer behavior and developing marketing strategies, doing studies on the legal system when it comes to eyewitness testimony, and jury decision making or educational practices ( Power, S. A., & Velez, G. 2022). Research to help build and improve society makes social psychology very influential and effective. Ethical Issues Ethical issues with the SPE started with informed consent, participants were not properly debriefed about all aspects of the experiment. They were not told about the psychological distress and harm they may experience. The experiment was also very deceptive as participants were arrested at their homes without prior knowledge ( Perry, G. 2018). The psychological and emotional distress this experiment used as some participants had emotional breakdowns. There also was an abuse of power and physical harm caused by and to participants in the study ( Perry,

14 Conformity, Dehumanization and Bullying G. 2018). Zimbardo inserting himself into the experiment was an ethical issue as he played the role of principal. He was not able to separate his role as researcher from the assumed role as prison principal, blurring the lines of his responsibilities. Lastly, there was a lack of debriefing since the study was ended so abruptly participants were not given the opportunity until later to understand the purpose of the experiment or to address the emotional distress the experiment caused. In the modern study there were no potential ethical issues because participants data was collected through surveys and questionnaires. Participants were not put in a role that made them uncomfortable, they were simply observed in their natural environment. Ethical Guidelines The Stanford Prison Experiment did not align to the ethical guidelines of its time period. Back when the study was conducted in the 1970’s ethical standards were a little laxer than they are today, but yet and still this experiment still fell short of key components applied by ethical guidelines. The SPE lacked informed consent, they failed the standard of do no harm, and they did not debrief participants properly. This experiment violated ethical principles even for the time period in which the research was done. The ethical standards have changed so much over the years as it puts a strong emphasis on informed consent, the well-being and protection of psychological harm to participants and a thorough debriefing procedure ( Hung Li-Ching, & Smith Cary. 2008). The Stanford Prison Experiment would be considered unethical, at the least in today’s society as it would have failed to meet the evolving ethical standards. In the modern study ethical standards have evolved and its main purpose is to minimize harm, make sure participants are fully aware of the study and have provided adequate informed consent. Contemporary studies today like the modern study I have presented adhere to confidentiality and anonymity. Today’s study also places cultural sensitivity in the forefront of its research as

15 Conformity, Dehumanization and Bullying making sure participants are respected and the content of the study is culturally relevant to the participants. Data collection is also different today than it was in the past. Surveys, questionnaires and interviews are a way to collect data without putting participants through a harmful experiment ( Hung Li-Ching, & Smith Cary. 2008). Ethically Appropriate Strategies Ethical appropriate strategies that could have been used in the SPE to make it align with the more modern ethical guidelines would be providing participants with detailed information about the study, potential risk, and there right to withdraw at any time without consequence ( Hung Li-Ching, & Smith Cary. 2008). Getting complete informed consent from participants would align with modern studies. Conducting a thorough debriefing after the study to inform participants about the purpose of the study, the reason for the simulation and to address any emotional distress the study may have caused would also align with modern studies. Give participants the opportunity to ask questions and provide support if needed. In the SPE researchers would need to identify signs of distress in order to monitor the psychological well- being of participants during the study. Being able to identify distress minimizes ethical concerns during the study. With Zimbardo acting as role of prison principal he should have refrained from taking an active role in the study and kept his role as researcher and observer. With him playing a part in the simulated study he compromised the well-being of the participants. The main thing that should have been done in the past study was seek approval from the Ethics Review Board to determine the ethical aspects of the study. The goal of the Ethics Review Board is to ensure that the research aligns with ethical standards ( Hung Li-Ching, & Smith Cary. 2008). Within the modern study there were no ethical issues as the study aligned with ethical standards, guidelines and considerations for a contemporary approach (Association, A. P. 2019).

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16 Conformity, Dehumanization and Bullying References Association, A. P. (2019). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). American Psychological Association. https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9781433832185 Bouchard, D. (2019). The Stanford Prison Experiment’s Torture Hermeneutics: Difference and Morality in the US University, 1968 to 9/11. Journal of American Studies: JAS , 53 (2), 401–427. https://doi-org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/10.1017/S0021875817001396 Brady, F. N., & Logsdon, J. M. (1988). Zimbardo’s “Stanford Prison Experiment” and the Relevance of Social Psychology for Teaching Business Ethics. Journal of Business Ethics , 7 (9), 703–710. https://doi-org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/10.1007/BF00382981 Cho, Y., & Chung, O.-B. (2012). A Mediated Moderation Model of Conformative Peer Bullying. Journal of Child & Family Studies , 21 (3), 520–529. https://doi-org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/10.1007/s10826-011-9538-0 Hung Li-Ching, & Smith Cary. (2008). Ethics in Research . Sage Publications. Miller, A. G. (2014). The Explanatory Value of Milgram’s Obedience Experiments: A Contemporary Appraisal. Journal of Social Issues , 70 (3), 558–573. https://doi- org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/10.1111/josi.12078 Muhopilah, P., Tentama, F., & Yuzarion. (2021). The Model Influence of Authoritarian Parenting, Extraversion Personality, and Conformity to Bullying among Students. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education , 10 (2), 483–493.

17 Conformity, Dehumanization and Bullying Perry, G. (2018). The evil inside us all. New Scientist , 240 (3199), 39–41. https://doi- org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/10.1016/S0262-4079(18)31849-9 Power, S. A., & Velez, G. (2022). Field social psychology. American Psychologist , 77 (8), 940– 952. https://doi-org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/10.1037/amp0000931 Rodriguez, J. (2023). Social identity theory. Salem Press Encyclopedia of Health . Social Identity Processes: Trends in Theory and Research . (2000). SAGE Publications, Ltd. https://doi-org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/10.4135/9781446218617

PSY 530 9-2 Final Submission

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