National Counselor Exam (NCE)

What is a common outcome for individuals who adopt roles in social simulations, as demonstrated in the Stanford prison study?

1. They remain emotionally detached

2. They embody the behaviors associated with their roles

3. They consciously resist role expectations

4. They bond with fellow participants

The correct answer is: They embody the behaviors associated with their roles

Individuals who adopt roles in social simulations, such as those illustrated in the Stanford prison study, often embody the behaviors associated with their roles. This phenomenon occurs because the context of the simulation activates certain psychological concepts, including role expectations and social norms. Participants immerse themselves in the scenarios they are placed in, leading to a blurring of the lines between their personal identities and the roles they are assigned. In the Stanford prison study, for instance, participants assigned the role of guards began exhibiting domineering and abusive behavior towards those assigned the role of prisoners, often in ways that exceeded mere simulation. This behavior was a result of their identification with the role and the effects of situational forces on their actions and attitudes. The study highlighted how situational factors and assigned roles can significantly influence human behavior, leading individuals to act in ways that align with the prescribed characteristics of their roles. The other provided options do not accurately capture the prevalent outcomes seen in such social simulations. Emotional detachment is typically not associated with deeply immersive role-play, conscious resistance contradicts the behavioral trends observed in such studies, and while bonding can occur in certain contexts, it does not reflect the primary behavior change stemming from role adoption that is central to the findings of studies like the Stanford prison experiment.