Stanford University Prison Experiment

The Stanford Prison Experiment (1971) was a psychological study where college students were assigned roles as prisoners or guards in a simulated prison environment. The experiment aimed to investigate how situational factors influence behavior. It quickly spiraled out of control: guards became oppressive, and prisoners showed signs of stress and submission. The experiment was terminated after six days due to ethical concerns, highlighting how perceived authority and situational context can drastically impact human behavior. It remains a significant but controversial case study on power dynamics, authority, and ethical limits in psychological research.