Stanford Prison Experiment Essay

434 Words2 Pages

I read the Stanford prison experiment, which I thought was good because it shed some light on a critical aspect of human psychology, namely the power of authority. This study was a famous psychological experiment conducted in 1971 by psychologist Philip Zimbardo. It aimed to investigate the psychological effects of becoming a prisoner or a guard by randomly assigning 24 male participants to play one of these two roles in a simulated prison environment. However, the study quickly escalated and the guards became abusive towards the prisoners, who began to exhibit signs of extreme stress and psychological distress. The study was stopped after only 6 days, instead of its planned 2-week duration, due to the unethical and harmful behavior that had …show more content…

It is important for researchers to obtain prior approval from an IRB to ensure that their study design and methods are ethical and that the rights and well-being of participants are protected.

In terms of media coverage, the media has a responsibility to accurately report on scientific studies and their results, including highlighting any ethical concerns or harmful outcomes. In the case of the Stanford Prison Study, the media could have played a role in raising awareness about the study's unethical methods and harmful effects on participants.

When it comes to public engagement, the public can play a role in holding researchers, institutions, and media accountable for ensuring that scientific studies are conducted ethically and responsibly. By asking questions and engaging in discussions about scientific studies, the public can help to promote transparency and accountability in research.

The public can also advocate for change by calling for stricter ethical standards and oversight in research, as well as increased transparency and accountability. This can help to prevent harmful outcomes in future studies and ensure that research is conducted in a responsible and ethical