The Stanford Prison Experiment, conducted by Philip Zimbardo in 1973,... Show more
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
18
0
Theodora Li
09/08/2025
Psychology
Conformity to social roles: Zimbardo's research
671
•
9 Aug 2025
•
Why the Stanford Prison Experiment was Unethical: Zimbardo's Study of Social Roles
Conformity to Social Roles: Zimbardo's Research
The Stanford Prison Experiment (SPE), conducted by Philip Zimbardo and colleagues in 1973, aimed to investigate the effects of conformity to social roles and environmental influences on individual behavior. This study has become one of the most famous and controversial experiments in the field of psychology.
Procedure
Zimbardo and his team converted a basement of Stanford University's Psychology Department into a mock prison. They selected 24 male student volunteers who were deemed emotionally stable through testing. These participants were then randomly assigned to the roles of either prison guards or prisoners.
Highlight: The random assignment of roles was crucial to ensure that any observed differences in behavior were due to the situational factors rather than pre-existing personality traits.
The researchers went to great lengths to create a realistic prison environment:
- 'Prisoners' were arrested at their homes, blindfolded, and strip-searched upon arrival at the mock prison.
- Uniforms were used to promote de-individuation:
- Prisoners wore loose smocks and caps, identified only by numbers instead of names.
- Guards were given uniforms, wooden clubs, handcuffs, keys, and mirror shades.
Vocabulary: De-individuation refers to the loss of self-awareness and individual identity that can occur in group situations.
Instructions were given to reinforce the roles:
- Prisoners were subjected to heavily regulated daily routines.
- Guards were told they had complete power over the prisoners.
Findings
The experiment yielded surprising and disturbing results:
Guards:
- Took up their roles with enthusiasm, treating prisoners harshly.
- Used 'divide-and-rule' tactics to maintain control.
- Constantly harassed prisoners to remind them of their powerless role.
Prisoners:
- Rebelled within two days, ripping their uniforms and swearing at guards.
- After the rebellion was put down, many became subdued, depressed, and anxious.
- One prisoner was released on the first day due to symptoms of psychological disturbance, and two more were released on the fourth day.
- When one prisoner went on a hunger strike, he was punished and shunned by other prisoners.
Example: The guards' behavior escalated to the point where some began to enjoy their power, leading Zimbardo to end the study after only 6 days instead of the intended 14.
Conclusions
The Stanford Prison Experiment led to several significant conclusions:
- People will readily conform to expected social roles, especially those that are strongly stereotyped.
- "Bad situations can cause good people to do evil things" - This quote from Zimbardo encapsulates the main finding of the study.
Quote: "The Stanford Prison Experiment reveals how readily we slip into roles and how quickly we can adapt to those roles." - Philip Zimbardo
Evaluation
Strengths
Control: Zimbardo and his colleagues had control over key variables, which increased the internal validity of the study. The selection of emotionally stable participants and their random assignment to roles ensured that observed behaviors were likely caused by situational pressures rather than individual differences.
Limitations
-
Lack of Realism: Banuazizi and Mohavedi (1975) argued that participants were merely play-acting rather than genuinely conforming to their roles. Some participants admitted to basing their behavior on stereotypes or film characters.
Highlight: However, McDermott (2019) countered this criticism, noting that 90% of prisoners' conversations were about prison life, suggesting they were treating the situation as real.
-
Role of Dispositional Influences: Fromm (1973) suggested that Zimbardo exaggerated the power of the situation and minimized the role of personality factors. For example, only one-third of the guards behaved in a brutal manner, while others showed sympathy towards prisoners.
-
Alternative Explanations: Steve Reicher and Alex Haslam's BBC Prison Study (2006) offered a different perspective based on social identity theory. They found that prisoners could take control of a mock prison when they developed a shared social identity, while guards failed to do so.
-
Ethical Issues: Zimbardo's dual roles as both researcher and prison superintendent raised significant ethical concerns. For instance, when a participant wanted to leave the study, Zimbardo responded as a superintendent rather than a researcher.
Definition: Ethical issues in psychological research refer to concerns about the well-being and rights of participants, including informed consent, protection from harm, and the right to withdraw.
The Stanford Prison Experiment remains a powerful demonstration of how environmental factors and social roles can influence human behavior. Despite its limitations and ethical concerns, it continues to spark discussions about the nature of human behavior in institutional settings and the potential for abuse of power.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Why the Stanford Prison Experiment was Unethical: Zimbardo's Study of Social Roles
The Stanford Prison Experiment, conducted by Philip Zimbardo in 1973, aimed to investigate the effects of conformity to social roles and environmental influences on individual behavior. This controversial study revealed how quickly participants adapted to their assigned roles as prisoners... Show more
Conformity to Social Roles: Zimbardo's Research
The Stanford Prison Experiment (SPE), conducted by Philip Zimbardo and colleagues in 1973, aimed to investigate the effects of conformity to social roles and environmental influences on individual behavior. This study has become one of the most famous and controversial experiments in the field of psychology.
Procedure
Zimbardo and his team converted a basement of Stanford University's Psychology Department into a mock prison. They selected 24 male student volunteers who were deemed emotionally stable through testing. These participants were then randomly assigned to the roles of either prison guards or prisoners.
Highlight: The random assignment of roles was crucial to ensure that any observed differences in behavior were due to the situational factors rather than pre-existing personality traits.
The researchers went to great lengths to create a realistic prison environment:
- 'Prisoners' were arrested at their homes, blindfolded, and strip-searched upon arrival at the mock prison.
- Uniforms were used to promote de-individuation:
- Prisoners wore loose smocks and caps, identified only by numbers instead of names.
- Guards were given uniforms, wooden clubs, handcuffs, keys, and mirror shades.
Vocabulary: De-individuation refers to the loss of self-awareness and individual identity that can occur in group situations.
Instructions were given to reinforce the roles:
- Prisoners were subjected to heavily regulated daily routines.
- Guards were told they had complete power over the prisoners.
Findings
The experiment yielded surprising and disturbing results:
Guards:
- Took up their roles with enthusiasm, treating prisoners harshly.
- Used 'divide-and-rule' tactics to maintain control.
- Constantly harassed prisoners to remind them of their powerless role.
Prisoners:
- Rebelled within two days, ripping their uniforms and swearing at guards.
- After the rebellion was put down, many became subdued, depressed, and anxious.
- One prisoner was released on the first day due to symptoms of psychological disturbance, and two more were released on the fourth day.
- When one prisoner went on a hunger strike, he was punished and shunned by other prisoners.
Example: The guards' behavior escalated to the point where some began to enjoy their power, leading Zimbardo to end the study after only 6 days instead of the intended 14.
Conclusions
The Stanford Prison Experiment led to several significant conclusions:
- People will readily conform to expected social roles, especially those that are strongly stereotyped.
- "Bad situations can cause good people to do evil things" - This quote from Zimbardo encapsulates the main finding of the study.
Quote: "The Stanford Prison Experiment reveals how readily we slip into roles and how quickly we can adapt to those roles." - Philip Zimbardo
Evaluation
Strengths
Control: Zimbardo and his colleagues had control over key variables, which increased the internal validity of the study. The selection of emotionally stable participants and their random assignment to roles ensured that observed behaviors were likely caused by situational pressures rather than individual differences.
Limitations
-
Lack of Realism: Banuazizi and Mohavedi (1975) argued that participants were merely play-acting rather than genuinely conforming to their roles. Some participants admitted to basing their behavior on stereotypes or film characters.
Highlight: However, McDermott (2019) countered this criticism, noting that 90% of prisoners' conversations were about prison life, suggesting they were treating the situation as real.
-
Role of Dispositional Influences: Fromm (1973) suggested that Zimbardo exaggerated the power of the situation and minimized the role of personality factors. For example, only one-third of the guards behaved in a brutal manner, while others showed sympathy towards prisoners.
-
Alternative Explanations: Steve Reicher and Alex Haslam's BBC Prison Study (2006) offered a different perspective based on social identity theory. They found that prisoners could take control of a mock prison when they developed a shared social identity, while guards failed to do so.
-
Ethical Issues: Zimbardo's dual roles as both researcher and prison superintendent raised significant ethical concerns. For instance, when a participant wanted to leave the study, Zimbardo responded as a superintendent rather than a researcher.
Definition: Ethical issues in psychological research refer to concerns about the well-being and rights of participants, including informed consent, protection from harm, and the right to withdraw.
The Stanford Prison Experiment remains a powerful demonstration of how environmental factors and social roles can influence human behavior. Despite its limitations and ethical concerns, it continues to spark discussions about the nature of human behavior in institutional settings and the potential for abuse of power.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user