Criminology Assignment 4-Stanford Prison Experiment Essay

Criminology Assignment 4-Stanford Prison Experiment - Essay Example They were to be compensated $ 15 for a period of less than two weeks. The volunteers were then randomly chosen to either play the role of the prison guard or the role of the prisoners. The prisoners were placed in a nine by six foot cell. There were three cells, one solitary cell, prison yard and other rooms were used by prison guards and the prison warden. Prisoners would remain in their prisons for 24 hours. Guards on the hand worked on eight hour shifts and could be allowed not allowed to go home. Phillip and his team were observed the behavior of the group using hidden microphones and cameras that were placed strategically. The prisoners were arrested normally and booked the way a normal suspect would be booked. They were then blindfolded and taken to the prison. They were given prison clothes and were referred to by their prison number at the back of their clothes. The guards on the other hand were given dark glasses to minimize eye contact with the prisoners. The guards would harass the prisoners and enjoy it. Prisoners were dehumanized and given boring tasks to accomplish. The prisoners were soon taking sides and telling tales on each other to the guards in order to win favors from the guards. The guards were in total control and held the prisoners in contempt. Prisoners became submissive. As time went by the guards became more aggressive and this forced the prisoners to be more submissive. After 36 hours one prisoner was released as he showed signs of early depression. Within the sixth day the experiment had to be closed down as Phillip feared the prisoners would be mentally or physically damaged. The purpose of the study was to show that abusive prison behavior was caused by inherent personality possessed by prisoners and guards. The experiment demonstrated the role that a powerful role plays in human behavior. When the guards were given powerful roles they found themselves behaving in ways that surprised them. They treated the