Zimbardo Stanford Prison Experiment

This study was conducted by Professor Phillip Zimbardo at Stanford University in 1971. Zimbardo wanted to find out if a situation can control the person or can an individual’s beliefs, attitude and values would allow one to rise above their current situation. He wanted to look more in-depth in the behavioral and sociological consequences in the roles of the guard and prisoner. Also, he wanted to find out why and how social situations can overwhelm people. In order to find study subjects, Zimbardo advertised in the paper for healthy, male students and offered $15 a day for up to two weeks. His subjects were predominately white, middle class students with no history of drug use or a criminal record. The basement of Stanford’s psychology department
In order to continue the experiment, deception and manipulation had to be used on the prisoners and their families. The basement was cleaned, rearranged and made presentable for outsiders. The prisoners were groomed, feed a hot meal and warned about not complaining when the families arrived or the visit would be cut short. The families were greeted by Susie the receptionist to keep up appearances and to entertain for an additional thirty minutes as they continued to prepare. Even though the prisoners were only allowed two visitors, for ten minutes while the guards watched, the families left content. Rumors begin to circulate that prisoner 8612 was planning to come back with a crowd and force the release of the remaining prisoners. Zimbardo had no choice but to send the students to another location, in case anyone showed up. Even though no one showed up, someone was going to pay for the hard work that the guards put in. With no surprise, day four came with an increase in humiliation, dehumanization and more unnecessary punishment to the prisoners. On top of regular work, they were forced to shine the guard’s shoes. The guards were taking their roles in the experiment very seriously. They were not tolerating any disrespect and had no problems asserting their superiority over the prisoners. Almost everyone was falling in line and accepting their order except prisoner 819. He did not partipcate in the 6 am count and refused to exercise. Going even further, he trashed his cell and barricaded himself in. He was not punished by himself but also the other prisoners. Eventually, he was thrown into the hole. A priest came to visit, and accessed the situation. Prisoner 819 agreed to meet with him, and broke down. It was so severe that he was taken away to be comforted with food and rest. The priest advised them that their stimulation was very convincing and was similar to a prison with first time offenders. Around 11:30 pm the guards gathered the