The Stanford Prison Experiment: Social Cognitive Theory

The Stanford Prison experiment was study about mental health and how people will abuse their power if given the chance. The results from the Stanford experiment were astounding. We learned that environments can have an impact on our behavior. Our social environments can define us. In the Stanford prison experiment the prisoners broke down, rebelled, and became passively resigned. We learned that role playing affects attitudes. According to the class textbook “When you adopt a new role—when you become a college student, marry, or begin a new job—you are mindful of the social prescriptions.” (Myers, 2014). Before the Stanford Prison experiment took place the guards and inmates were tested to be in great health condition. The guards in the Stanford experiment came into the experiment in their right mind. I find it
The social cognitive theory focuses on how people process and apply information. ("Social Cognitive Theory definition | Psychology Glossary | alleydog.com," n.d.). The Stanford Prison experiment was centered on studying the mental state of prisoners and guards. Role playing involves a person’s five senses. The subjects involved in the Stanford Prison experiment felt the lines of reality and fiction blear. Social cognitive theorists stresses the importance of mental processes: According to the class online textbook, “What we think about a situation affects our behavior in that situation.” (Myers, 2014). The subjects in the Stanford Prison experiment thoughts clouded their judgements. The roles that were set before the Stanford Prison experiment took place became nonexistent, and some may argue that the Stanford Prison experiment was uncalled for or inhumane. The Stanford Prison was necessary. The information that was received from the Stanford Prison experiment to this present day lets researchers know how far an experiment should be