The Stanford Prison Experiment - Zimbardo (1972)

The video explores social psychology, focusing on how social settings influence behavior. It highlights Stanley Milgram's work on authority and Philip Zimbardo's Stanford Prison Experiment, which demonstrated how situational pressures can lead ordinary people to commit extreme acts. The experiment showed that individuals could adopt abusive roles without direct instruction, emphasizing the power of social context. The video concludes by encouraging viewers to consider positive social influences and engage with the content.

What does social psychology suggest about individual behavior?

• People's actions are influenced by their social environment.

• Individuals always act the same regardless of the setting.

• Social settings have no impact on individual thoughts.

• Behavior is solely determined by personal choice.

What was the primary aim of the Stanford Prison Experiment?

• To study the effects of prison on mental health.

• To observe the impact of authority on behavior.

• To test the effectiveness of prison uniforms.

• To understand the influence of environment on behavior.

How were participants assigned roles in the Stanford Prison Experiment?

• Based on their psychological profiles.

• Through a coin toss.

• According to their academic performance.

• By their physical appearance.

What behavior did the guards exhibit during the experiment?

• They followed strict instructions from Zimbardo.

• They developed abusive behaviors on their own.

• They were kind and supportive.

• They refused to participate in the experiment.

What conclusion did Zimbardo draw from the experiment?

• Only criminals can commit heinous acts.

• Social context has no effect on behavior.

• Situational pressures can lead anyone to commit harmful acts.

• People are inherently evil.