Stanford Prison Experiment (Philip Zimbardo)

The Stanford Prison Experiment, conducted by psychologist Philip Zimbardo in 1971, studied the psychological effects of perceived power in a simulated prison environment. College students were assigned roles as either guards or prisoners. The experiment was intended to last two weeks but was halted after just six days due to extreme behaviors. Guards became abusive, while prisoners showed signs of distress and helplessness. This study highlighted the impact of situational factors and authority on behavior, illustrating how ordinary people can engage in cruel actions when placed in certain conditions. It raised important ethical questions about research practices.