Origins of Criminal Behavior: Learning and Situational Factor”

Student Name Lecturer Name Unit Due Date Origins of Criminal Behavior: Learning and Situational Factors Samford Prison Experiment Summary The Stamford prison experiment was a psychological study conducted in 1971 by Phillip Zimbardo, a Stamford University professor. The experiment aimed to investigate the psychological impact of power and authority on individuals through the conflict between guards and prisoners (Zimbardo, 2.27-2.37). Zimbardo and his team of researchers established a mock prison in the basement of the university’s psychology building. They advertised the experiment asking for volunteers to participate in a psychological study of prison life in exchange for $15 a day (Narrator, 2.45-3.03). Those without personality problems, medical disabilities, and criminal background were considered. Participants were randomly selected and assigned the roles of guards and prisoners. Prisoners were treated like actual criminals, being arrested at their homes without warning and taken to the local police station for booking. They were then blindfolded and thrown to the mock prison where deindividuation began. Despite instructing guards not to be cruel, they began to enforce psychological tactics after a few days, with several officials exhibiting authoritarian control and genuine sadistic tendencies. The Theory of Deindividuation The theory of deindividuation states that people engage in seemingly deviant, impulsive, and violent behaviors when they are in a group or crowd where they believe no one can identify them individually (Kendra, 2023). According to Zimbardo, immersing individuals in a group setting diminishes their awareness of individuality and responsibility. Conforming to group norms makes them feel less responsible for their actions. This can result in a more impulsive and combative behavior. Simply put, being part of a large group makes people behave in a way they would not when alone. The Stamford prison experiment excellently explains deindividuation. It demonstrates how rapidly the prison guards lose their individuality and responsibility. Their sadistic and abusive behaviors are influenced by the position they hold. The guards be...