FIRST
WRITING ASSIGNMENT
*Due Wed, Feb. 27th in class*
Introduction
to Sociology, Spring 2002
Kessler
HOW WOULD SOCIOLOGISTS
UNDERSTAND AND EXPLAIN THE OUTCOMES OF THE STANFORD PRISON EXPERIMENT?
Things to consider:
What was the intent of the experiment? Why was it conducted? What did Zimbardo aim to explain?
Using relevant sociological ideas and concepts that we have discussed or read about thus far (you should find selected material in Chapters 3, 5, 6, and 7 helpful), explain what took place in the Stanford Prison (you may focus on one or two individuals or incidents if you like).
From a sociological
perspective, discuss the outcome of the experiment.
What sociological concepts and principles were supported or
reinforced by the findings?
Based on the current
ethics of social science research, how would such an experiment be regarded
today, and why?
The paper should be 2 full pages (no less than two, no more than 2.5), typed and double-spaced, and written in essay format.
This paper is to be
analytical, not descriptive. In other words, please do not tell me the
story of the documentary; I have seen it many times. What I am interested
in is your sociological analysis of the events and outcomes.
Please
use spell-check, your dictionary, and your spelling skills to correct all spelling and typographical
errors.
This is a college-level writing assignment. As such it is expect that your
thoughts will be organized and your writing concise and clear, with close
attention paid to proper grammar, syntax, and punctuation.
NO
COVER PAGE, PLEASE - TYPE YOUR NAME ON THE FIRST PAGE OF YOUR ESSAY
STAPLE YOUR PAPERS TOGETHER - DO NOT USE A PAPER CLIP
PLEASE
USE 11 OR 12 POINT FONT