What method was used to allocate roles in Zimbardo's prison experiment?

In Zimbardo's prison experiment, the method used to allocate roles was through random allocation. This approach intended to eliminate any preconceived biases or personalities influencing the assignment of roles, ensuring that each participant had an equal chance of being placed in either the role of a guard or a prisoner.

Random allocation is significant because it helps to create a controlled environment where the effects of social roles can be studied without the influence of individual differences that might arise if participants were allowed to choose their roles or if roles were assigned based on psychological evaluations or volunteer applications. By using random assignment, Zimbardo aimed to focus on the impact of situational factors on behavior, stripping away the confounding variables associated with personality or behavioral predispositions. This method allowed the study to have greater internal validity in assessing the dynamics and behaviors that emerged in the prison-like setting.