The Underlying Motivation Behind the Controversial Stanford Prison Experiment- What Was Its True Purpose-

What was the purpose of the Stanford prison experiment? This controversial study, conducted in 1971, aimed to explore the psychological effects of perceived power and authority on individuals within a simulated prison environment. The experiment, led by psychologist Philip Zimbardo, was designed to investigate the nature of evil and the potential for ordinary people to commit atrocities when placed in a hierarchical power structure. However, the experiment’s unforeseen outcomes raised ethical concerns and led to its premature termination after just six days. In this article, we will delve into the purpose of the Stanford prison experiment, its methodology, and the ethical dilemmas it posed.