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How Many Participants Were Enrolled in the Infamous Stanford Prison Experiment-

How many participants in the Stanford Prison Experiment?

The Stanford Prison Experiment, conducted in 1971 by social psychologist Philip Zimbardo, is one of the most infamous studies in the history of psychology. This controversial experiment aimed to investigate the psychological effects of perceived power and authority on individuals. The experiment involved the participation of 24 male students, who were randomly assigned to play the roles of either prisoners or guards in a simulated prison environment. The study garnered significant attention due to its disturbing findings and ethical concerns, leading to its early termination after only six days. In this article, we will delve into the details of the experiment, the number of participants involved, and the lasting impact it has had on the field of psychology.

The experiment took place at the Stanford University Psychology Building and began on August 14, 1971. The participants were all volunteers, aged between 18 and 22, and were promised $15 for their participation. The study was divided into two roles: prisoners and guards. The prisoners were stripped of their personal belongings, given prison uniforms, and confined to their cells for the duration of the experiment. The guards were given uniforms, hats, and whistles to enhance their authority and were instructed to maintain order within the prison environment.

The experiment was originally planned to last for two weeks, but it was terminated after only six days due to the extreme psychological distress experienced by both prisoners and guards. The participants quickly adopted their roles, with the guards becoming increasingly abusive and the prisoners developing severe psychological symptoms, such as aggression, depression, and helplessness.

In terms of the number of participants, there were 24 individuals involved in the Stanford Prison Experiment. Out of these 24 participants, 14 were assigned to play the role of guards, while the remaining 10 were assigned to be prisoners. The small sample size of the study has been a subject of debate among psychologists, with some arguing that it may not be representative of the general population.

Despite its limitations, the Stanford Prison Experiment has had a profound impact on the field of psychology. It highlighted the potential for individuals to engage in cruel and abusive behavior when given the opportunity to exercise power over others. The study also raised concerns about the ethical implications of psychological research and the importance of rigorous oversight to prevent harm to participants.

The findings of the Stanford Prison Experiment have been used to inform policies and practices in various settings, such as prisons, military, and organizational structures. The study has emphasized the need for ethical guidelines and the careful consideration of the potential psychological effects of power dynamics on individuals.

In conclusion, the Stanford Prison Experiment involved 24 participants, who were divided into roles of guards and prisoners. The study’s disturbing findings and ethical concerns have had a lasting impact on the field of psychology, emphasizing the importance of ethical research and the potential dangers of unchecked power dynamics.

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