The Stanford prison experiment 1971
How does authority influence people’s behavior?
was conducted at Stanford University in 1971 by psychology professor Philip Zimbardo. 24 male students were selected to take on randomly assigned roles of prisoners and guards
Conditions a 7 to 14 day period - $15 per day It wasn’t allowed physically harm the prisoners Guards – khaki shirt and pants, mirrored sunglasses Prisoners- ill-fitting smocks. Had assigned numbers instead of names.
One-third of the guards exhibited genuine sadistic tendencies physical punishment; sanitary conditions declined; left prisoners to sleep on concrete; sexual humiliation
The experiment was abruptly stopped after only 6 days The experiment was abruptly stopped after only 6 days. More than 50 people had observed the experiment, only one questioned its morality.
Conclusions The situation, rather than their individual personalities, causes the participants' behavior.
The Stanford prison experiment
Milgram experiment
German movie “Das Experiment”.