Stanford Prison Experiment Analysis

The Stanford Prison Experiment, led by Philip Zimbardo in 1971, aimed to explore power dynamics between guards and prisoners. Participants were randomly assigned roles, leading to rapid dehumanization and psychological distress. The experiment, which was prematurely ended, sparked significant ethical controversy and debate over its scientific validity.

What was the primary objective of the Stanford Prison Experiment?

• To explore the impact of prison architecture on behavior

• To examine the role of nutrition in prisoner health

• To understand the power dynamics between guards and prisoners

• To study the effects of solitary confinement

How were participants assigned their roles in the experiment?

• According to their academic performance

• By a coin toss

• Through a psychological test

• Based on their physical fitness

What was the role of David Jaffe in the experiment?

• He was an external observer

• He played the warden

• He was a guard

• He was a prisoner

What action did the guards take to control the prisoners' rebellion?

• They used fire extinguishers

• They used tear gas

• They negotiated with the prisoners

• They called in the police

How did the guards dehumanize the prisoners?

• By making them sing songs

• By giving them extra food

• By assigning them numbers instead of names

• By making them wear masks

What psychological effect did the experiment have on prisoner Doug Korpi?

• He developed a strong sense of camaraderie

• He became physically ill

• He experienced acute emotional disturbance

• He became more aggressive

Who intervened to end the Stanford Prison Experiment prematurely?

• Philip Zimbardo

• The US Navy

• A real prison warden

• Christina Maslack

What did Zimbardo conclude about people's behavior in social roles?

• People only follow roles if they are paid

• Roles have no impact on behavior

• Most people fulfill roles they are given

• People resist roles imposed on them

What was one of the main criticisms of the Stanford Prison Experiment?

• The guards were instructed on how to behave

• The participants were not paid enough

• It was too short to draw conclusions

• It was conducted in a real prison

What did Thibault Le Texier argue about the experiment?

• It was a groundbreaking study

• It was a well-conducted scientific experiment

• It was nonsense and manipulated

• It was too short to be valid