The Stanford Prison Experiment

In 1971, Stanford University professor and researcher Dr. Philip Zimbardo wanted to study obedience and societal roles especially under what circumstances ordinary people would do horrible things.

Volunteers were called for and a fake prison was set up in the basement of the Stanford campus psychology building.

The experiment was a classic study in how ordinary citizens, such as the Nazis, could be involved in crimes against humanity.  Go to the following website and follow the story, watch videos and answer the questions on each page.

The Story of the Stanford Prison Experiment

1. Answer each question found on the pages next to the bullhorn symbol and underneath "Discussion".  (The first one isn't really a question so ask why police choose those techniques.)
2. Look at the pictures and watch the videos to help answer the discussion questions.