The Stanford Prison Experiment

Jennifer Schuster June 7, 2011

Purpose of the experiment

See how quickly a person could adapt to given roles if placed in the proper environment. What is accepted behavior in certain situations. The perceptions of similar subjects when placed in one environment but given different roles.

Prison Construction
Cell is bugged with intercom system. Cameras placed in corridor and yard. 3 men to a cell.

Guard uniforms
Khaki button-up shirts and pants Billy clubs Mirrored sunglasses Whistle

Prisoner uniforms
Smocks with numbers sewn on the front and back Not allowed pants or underclothes to emasculate. Chain around one ankle to remind of imprisonment.

Prisoner Treatment
Middle of the night head counts lead to prisoner rebellion. Leaders of protest placed in solitary confinement. Most obedient prisoners placed in the privilege cell. Rest of prisoners punished.

Consequences of Rebellion

Prisoners not allowed clothing Prisoners not allowed beds Prisoners not allowed to eat Priveledged prisoners are made to eat in front of hungry prisoners Prisoners rotated from privilege cell to empty cells causes confusion.

Day 4

Plan B
Prison dismantled Prisoners chained and bags are placed over their heads. Confined to a storage closet

Day 5

Consequences of Rumored Escape Plan

Punishment becomes more sexual and degrading. Head counts lasting hours longer than before.

Day 6

Experiment Ends Early

Guards are becoming more sadistic. Prisoners are withdrawn from each other and completely compliant with all guards demands.