Facts About The Stanford Prison Experiment

The Stanford Prison Experiment, conducted by Philip Zimbardo in 1971, aimed to explore the power dynamics between guards and prisoners. Participants were randomly assigned roles in a mock prison, leading to rapid dehumanization and abuse. The experiment, intended to last two weeks, was terminated after six days due to extreme psychological distress among participants. The study's ethics and scientific validity have been widely criticized, with claims that it was more a demonstration than a rigorous experiment. Despite its controversy, the experiment remains a significant discussion point in psychology.

What was the primary objective of the Stanford Prison Experiment?

• To train military personnel

• To develop new psychological tests

• To improve prison conditions

• To study the effects of prison environment on behavior

How were participants assigned to the roles of guards and prisoners?

• According to their academic performance

• By their personal preferences

• Through a coin toss

• Based on their physical fitness

What was one of the methods used by guards to maintain order?

• Physical violence

• Providing counseling

• Withholding food

• Offering rewards

What action did the prisoners take on the second day of the experiment?

• They attempted to escape

• They requested to end the experiment

• They barricaded themselves in their cells

• They went on a hunger strike

What was the response of the guards to the prisoners' rebellion?

• They ended the experiment

• They used fire extinguishers to regain control

• They called the police

• They negotiated with the prisoners

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

• He became violent

• He experienced acute emotional disturbance

• He developed a leadership role

• He remained unaffected

Who intervened to end the Stanford Prison Experiment?

• A participant's family member

• Christina Maslack

• A fellow researcher

• A police officer

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

• It had too many participants

• It was too expensive

• It lacked scientific rigor

• It was too short

What did Thibault Le Texier argue about the experiment?

• It was nonsense and manipulated

• It was a well-conducted scientific experiment

• It was ethically sound

• It was a groundbreaking study

What did Zimbardo admit about the nature of the experiment?

• It was a failure

• It was more of a demonstration than a scientific study

• It was a complete success

• It had no ethical issues