Which statement best describes the objective of Haney et al.'s (1973) study?

The objective of Haney et al.'s (1973) study centers around investigating social roles and behaviors in a prison context. This research focused on how individuals adapt to the roles of prisoners and guards within a simulated prison environment. By immersing participants in these roles, the study aimed to illustrate the dynamics of power, authority, and social influence in a confined setting.

The researchers examined not only the behaviors exhibited by participants but also how their perceptions of the roles they were assigned affected their actions and interactions with others. This emphasis sheds light on broader theories of social psychology, including the concept of deindividuation, where individuals lose self-awareness and adopt group behaviors.

Understanding social roles and behaviors in this context is crucial for grasping how institutional settings can influence individual psychology, making this focus especially relevant for those studying the social practice of psychology.