The 1971 Stanford Prison Experiment simulated a mock prison with student assistants playing the role of prison guards and inmates. What was the primary finding from this experiment with regards to human behavior?
A) Factors internal to the individual are the primary contributors to a particular behavior exhibited during a given situation.
B) Factors external to the individual are the primary contributors to a particular behavior exhibited during a given situation.
C) Internal and external factors equally contribute to a particular behavior exhibited during a given situation.
D) None of the above.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The primary finding from the Stanford Prison Experiment was that factors external to the individual, such as the environment and assigned roles, are the primary contributors to a particular behavior exhibited during a given situation. This experiment demonstrated how normal, healthy individuals could exhibit abusive behaviors when placed in a prison guard role within a simulated prison environment.

The 1971 Stanford Prison Experiment Simulated a Mock Prison with Student