Deciphering the Participants- A Closer Look at the Subjects of the Infamous Stanford Prison Experiment

Who were the subjects in the Stanford prison experiment? This pivotal psychological study, conducted in 1971, involved the use of college students to simulate a prison environment. The experiment aimed to investigate the psychological effects of perceived power and authority on individuals, as well as the potential for ordinary people to engage in sadistic behavior under certain circumstances. The subjects, both the prisoners and the guards, were ordinary individuals with no prior history of criminal behavior or psychological disorders. This article delves into the background of the participants and the profound impact the experiment had on the field of psychology.