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.
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