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◉ Psychology·2 min·Updated Mar 13, 2026

What is Stanford Prison Experiment?

Stanford Prison Experiment

Quick Answer

The Stanford Prison Experiment was a psychological study conducted in 1971 that examined the effects of perceived power in a simulated prison environment. It involved college students taking on the roles of guards and prisoners, leading to unexpected and extreme behaviors. The experiment highlighted the impact of situational factors on human behavior.

Overview

The Stanford Prison Experiment was designed to investigate how people behave in roles of authority and submission. Conducted by psychologist Philip Zimbardo, it took place in a mock prison set up in the basement of Stanford University. College students were randomly assigned to be either guards or prisoners, and the experiment was intended to last two weeks but was terminated after only six days due to the extreme and disturbing behaviors that emerged. As the experiment progressed, the guards began to exhibit abusive behavior towards the prisoners, who in turn showed signs of extreme stress and helplessness. This rapid shift in behavior demonstrated how situational factors and assigned roles can significantly influence individual actions. For example, some guards became increasingly cruel, while prisoners experienced emotional breakdowns, underscoring the power of social roles in shaping behavior. The significance of the Stanford Prison Experiment extends beyond the confines of the study itself. It serves as a crucial example in social psychology, illustrating how ordinary people can commit harmful acts when placed in certain environments. This experiment has been referenced in discussions about authority, conformity, and the potential for abuse in various real-world settings, such as prisons and military contexts.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main findings showed that situational factors, such as assigned roles, can drastically alter behavior. Participants quickly adapted to their roles as guards or prisoners, leading to abusive behavior from the guards and psychological distress among the prisoners.
The experiment was terminated after six days instead of the planned two weeks due to the extreme emotional distress experienced by the prisoners and the abusive behavior exhibited by the guards. The situation escalated to a point where researchers felt it was unethical to continue.
The Stanford Prison Experiment has had a lasting impact on psychology by highlighting the importance of situational factors in influencing behavior. It has informed discussions on ethics in psychological research and the dynamics of power in social settings.