The BBC Prison Study: The Stanford Prison Experience

The BBC Prison Study (2002).

1. What is the title of the text and what is the text about?

The BBC Prison experience in 2002 was similar to the Stanford Prison experience. Rather, it is considered complementary to it, but it was conducted under strict ethical controls and standards to avoid the mistakes that occurred in the first experiment in 1971I chose it because I would like to know the results, how the experiment was carried out, and under what criteria. I suggested it in a forum discussion and wondered how the changes would affect the experience. " The BBC Prison Study explores the social and psychological consequences of putting people in groups of unequal power. It examines when people accept inequality and when they challenge it." (Haslam

Participants underwent physical and psychological examinations and were informed of the details of the study and its purpose. The entire study was conducted in a windowless prison-like environment. Prisoners had basic amenities in their cells. (Haslam & Reicher, 2008).The guards were authorized to place prisoners in solitary confinement cells if deemed necessary, and they were empowered to penalize prisoners, revoke privileges, and isolate them. However, they were instructed not to use physical violence. The guards had access to all areas of the prison and were provided with uniforms and better living arrangements. On the eighth day, the study was terminated prematurely due to ethical concerns. (Haslam & Reicher,

The 15 volunteers were divided into five groups of equal emotional and psychological strength, and one from each group was chosen to play the role of the guard and the two played the role of the prisoner. The prison was designed at Elstree Studios. (Wells, 2002).

6. Have I heard/read anything similar or dissimilar? What was it?

Yes, as I pointed out at the beginning, this is similar to the Stanford Prison Experiment that Professor Zimbardo did. The two experiments have reached almost identical results, which is the adoption of people to the role that is asked of them. As in the Stanford experiment, the prisoners in the BBC prison accepted the role of submission, while the guards practiced the role of violence and domination. (Study Smarter, n.d).

7. Do I agree or disagree with the views expressed by the author? Why?

It is difficult to offer a personal opinion in scientific experiments and psychological research. But by observing the behavior of some people involved in violence, I partly agree with the conclusions of this study. Some of those I saw practicing violence grew up in a quiet environment and lived their lives in a normal way, but because of the roles that were asked of them, they turned to violence. With varying levels of violence and the ability to be bullying and abusive, I think some people are more inclined to play this role than others. Even in the Stanford experiment, prisoners reported that some guards were tough and others were