I agree, but I think the study is hardly an exemplar of internal validity either. Actually, the study seemed more like an effort at dramatic demonstration, rather than rigorous science, it was never completed, and I am not aware of new theoretical knowledge gained from the project. The influence of role playing and the impact of social power differences is clearly an important topic, but the place of Zimbardo's prison study seems due more to popularization, and his own influence, than its actually increasing or furthering scientific understanding. Just one more impression.
Of course, it is always fun to present to the class, and we can go bonkers over wild generalizations to prison, police, and mental health abuses, but as Michael suggests, it might be more worthy as a focus for some critical thinking. What is popularized in psychology is not always good science, but often clever promotion. Gary Gerald L. (Gary) Peterson, Ph.D. Professor, Psychology Saginaw Valley State University University Center, MI 48710 989-964-4491 [EMAIL PROTECTED] >>> "Michael Sylvester" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 03/13/07 11:29 AM >>> Zmbardo's prison study was neatly conceptualized and the results were impressive.However,at a time when the majority of prison inmates are black and Hispanic,I question the external validity of a study where the subjects are not representative of the prison population. It would seem that he should have found a black college institution to conduct the study.There was not one black college prisoner or a black or hispanic prison guard.Gimme a break. Michael Sylvester,PhD Daytona beach,Florida --- To make changes to your subscription go to: http://acsun.frostburg.edu/cgi-bin/lyris.pl?enter=tips&text_mode=0&lang=english --- To make changes to your subscription go to: http://acsun.frostburg.edu/cgi-bin/lyris.pl?enter=tips&text_mode=0&lang=english
