Stanford Prison Experiment

The Stanford Prison Experiment, conducted in 1971 by psychologist Philip Zimbardo, investigated the psychological effects of perceived power in a simulated prison setting. College students were assigned roles as either guards or prisoners. The experiment quickly spiraled out of control, with guards becoming abusive and prisoners exhibiting extreme stress and helplessness. Originally planned for two weeks, it was terminated after six days due to ethical concerns. The study highlighted how situational factors and social roles can significantly influence behavior, illuminating aspects of human psychology related to authority, conformity, and moral judgment.