In 1971 a psychology experiment at Stanford University occurred that would be considered too unethical to conduct today. It was supposed to last 2 weeks, but it got out of hand and was stopped after only 6 days. The “prison guards” exhibited very demeaning and even sadistic behaviors. The “prisoners” eventually became very inhibited and showed signs of severe stress.
It was the Stanford Prison Experiment. A mock prison was created in the basement of the psychology building. Male undergraduate students were carefully screened, and 24 ultimately were chosen. They were randomly assigned to be either guards or prisoners. The guards worked 8 hour shifts, went home, and then returned the next day as typical shift workers do. The prisoners were “arrested” by police at their residences and then transported to the makeshift prison. The prisoners were not allowed to leave.
What I found interesting about this experiment is the degree to which both the guards and the prisoners quickly assumed their roles in a real-life manner. They were not just acting. Many of the guards seemed to thrive on wielding their authority in an arbitrary manner and on humiliating the inmates. When the experiment ended early, the guards did not want it to end.
Although this experiment has been criticized for its lack of scientific validity, I think we’re making a mistake if we ignore what it may be showing us. The darker side of humanity may come out all too easily if people are placed in roles where they have great power over others and peer pressure to exert that power. People can then rationalize with themselves that what they are doing is not only acceptable but necessary.
Here is a 5 minute video of original (1971) footage describing the experiment:
If you want to read more about the experiment, click here.
What do you think about this?
Photo: Stanford Prison Experiment
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Dr. Zimbardo, the original investigator, expands on the various concepts such as situational forces and group dynamics in his 2007 book The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil. He includes detailed history of the Stanford Experiment.
I remember this experiment in my text book during my psychology class. I think anyone has the potential to become sadistic under the “right” circumstances. I also believe it has a lot to do with the maturity level-and age of the person/s involved. I think if it had been much older people, perhaps in their 40′s-50′s there would not have been so many that would have behaved sadistically? But that is a hope rather than a prediction. I know, i would not have been one who had behaved sadistically, but that has a lot to do with my belief system. I do not allow others to influence my thoughts especially if it is a violation to my conscious and what i know to be right & wrong.
As I recall, all of the participants were free to leave at will and were not held against their will which would have constituted some sort of illegal imprisonment, I’m sure. However, that all participants chose to remain until the experiment was halted raises the question of why they chose to continue to allow themselves to be subjected to such treatment in addition to the question of why the guards acted as they did. There are parallels in the annals of racial and religious persecutions throughout history not to mention current day episodes of gang bullys and the like even to the point of internet harassment.
You are correct. They could have left at will (but as long as they were doing the experiment, they could not leave). Thanks for your comments.
If i remember correctly they were often manipulated by the experiment professors into not deserting the experiments.
When it comes to jobs like the police or corrections officers, I’ve always believed (perhaps somewhat unfairly) that a certain type of person was attracted to them — people who need to dominate — frankly, bullies in my opinion. It’s interesting to hear some of the kids who became so sadistic described as really nice kids prior to the experiment. Although I still think bullies will be attracted to jobs that give them power over others, this certainly opens my mind to the thought that the power of the job can corrupt even those with good intentions. Scary thought.