Question

Before discussing the Zimbardo experiment I would like to begin with you finding an example of a spurious correlation or create one of your own. Be sure to identify the independent variable and the dependent variable. Remember that the independent variable always precedes the dependent variable in time.

Answer 1

Dr. Philip Zimbardo conducted the Stanford Prison experiment to understand the situational attribution of an individual's behaviour. He wanted to explore and see the psychological effects of situational power and authority. He conducted this experiment with 24 participants who volunteered to play the role of prisoners and officers respectively. Individuals got so involved in the simulating prison, that the pretend officers began inflicting the prisoners with sheer torture. And the prisoners complied to the officer's orders. By the end of the 6th day, the experiment had to be wrapped up as it took a toll on the participants who played the role of prisoners. Though it was just a simulate prison, the officers exercised the power given to them. These individuals otherwise did not have personal traits of being authoritative neither did the prisoners have dispositions of being submissive.  Dr, Zimbardo conducted the study to understand the effect of situational attribution on behaviour.

A spurious correlation is which, has two or more variables that are not casually related to each other, however, they are wrongly inferred that they are. Taking the above experiment into consideration, the independent variable is authority exercised and the prisoners are the dependent variable who exhibited dispositions of being submissive. The officers otherwise did not have personal traits of being authoritative neither did the prisoners have dispositions of being submissive. Thus, it is an example of spurious correlation.