Stanford Prison Experiment Insights

The Stanford Prison Experiment, conducted by Philip Zimbardo in 1971, aimed to explore the psychological effects of perceived power by assigning roles of guards and prisoners to participants. The study revealed how quickly individuals could conform to roles, leading to abusive behavior by guards and severe stress among prisoners. The experiment was terminated early due to ethical concerns. It highlighted the influence of situational factors on behavior, similar to Milgram's earlier study on obedience to authority. The findings prompted changes in ethical guidelines for human research.

What was the primary aim of the Stanford Prison Experiment?

• To improve prison conditions

• To test new psychological therapies

• To understand how good people react in evil places

• To study the effects of prison life on guards

How did the Milgram experiment influence Zimbardo's study?

• It highlighted the need for ethical guidelines

• It showed the importance of prison uniforms

• It focused on memory improvement

• It demonstrated the power of authority figures

What was the initial reaction of the prisoners to their roles?

• They were confused and disoriented

• They refused to participate

• They treated it as a summer camp

• They immediately rebelled

What tactic did prisoner 8612 use to try to leave the experiment?

• He attempted to escape

• He bribed the guards

• He staged a hunger strike

• He pretended to be insane

How did the guards escalate their control over the prisoners?

• By reducing their food

• By using psychological tactics

• By increasing physical violence

• By offering rewards

What was the reaction of the prisoners to 416's hunger strike?

• They supported him

• They ignored him

• They were angry with him

• They joined the strike

What was a major ethical concern raised by the experiment?

• The duration of the experiment

• The lack of informed consent

• The dual role of Zimbardo

• The use of real prisoners

What did Zimbardo realize about his role in the experiment?

• He should have extended the experiment

• He should have been only the principal investigator

• He should have been more lenient

• He should have been a guard

What was a key finding about human behavior from the experiment?

• Good people always resist evil

• Power can corrupt individuals

• Prisoners are naturally rebellious

• Guards are inherently cruel

What change occurred in psychological studies after the experiment?

• Longer study durations

• More focus on guard behavior

• Stricter ethical guidelines

• Increased use of real prisons