The fact that guards in the Stanford Prison Study did not use their actual names, did not know that they were being observed, and wore reflective sunglasses that prevented direct eye contact all suggest that a key role in producing the results obtained in this experiment was _____________.
A)the self-fulfilling prophecy
B)social facilitation
C)perceived legitimacy of the authority figures
D)deindividuation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The use of anonymity (not using actual names), lack of direct observation awareness, and the use of reflective sunglasses that prevent eye contact in the Stanford Prison Study are all factors that contribute to deindividuation. This psychological state is characterized by reduced self-awareness and a diminished sense of individual identity, leading individuals to act in ways they might not normally act if they were identifiable. These conditions facilitated the guards' abusive behavior towards the prisoners in the study.

The Fact That Guards in the Stanford Prison Study Did