In the Stanford prison study, what was it that caused the guards to treat the prisoners harshly?
A) the instructions given to the guards
B) the actions of the prisoners
C) the social context
D) peer pressure from the other guards

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The social context played a significant role in the guards' behavior towards the prisoners. The study was conducted in a simulated prison environment, where the guards were expected to maintain discipline and order. This created a power dynamic that allowed the guards to exercise authority over the prisoners, which led to abusive and violent behavior towards them. Additionally, the study's design did not provide clear guidelines for appropriate behavior, leaving the guards to develop their own methods for maintaining control, which often resulted in the mistreatment of the prisoners.

In the Stanford Prison Study, What Was It That Caused