Question

In the Stanford Prison Study, participants in the study had mental breakdowns and

went on hunger strikes. This is evidence that the study violated what golden rule of
research ethics?
minimal risk
informed consent
confidentiality
none of the above

Answer 1

In 1971, psychologist Philip Zimbardo and his colleagues set out to create an experiment that looked at the impact of becoming a prisoner or prison guard. The Stanford Prison Experiment, also known as the Zimbardo Prison Experiment, went on to become one of the best-known (and controversial) in psychology's history.1

The study has long been a staple in textbooks, articles, psychology classes, and even movies, but recent criticisms have called the study's scientific merits and value into question.

BEHAVIORAL PSYCHOLOGYMarch 13, 2023The researchers wondered if physically and psychologically healthy people who knew they were participating in an experiment would change their behavior in a prison-like setting.2

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THEORIES BEHAVIORAL PSYCHOLOGY

The Stanford Prison Experiment

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Updated on March 13, 2023

Fact checked by Cara Lustik

The Stanford Prison Experiment

Darrin Klimek / Getty Images

Table of Contents

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Table of Contents

Overview

Participants

Setting and Procedure

Results

Impact of the Zimbardo Prison Experiment

In 1971, psychologist Philip Zimbardo and his colleagues set out to create an experiment that looked at the impact of becoming a prisoner or prison guard. The Stanford Prison Experiment, also known as the Zimbardo Prison Experiment, went on to become one of the best-known (and controversial) in psychology's history.1

The study has long been a staple in textbooks, articles, psychology classes, and even movies, but recent criticisms have called the study's scientific merits and value into question.