In a famous study of prison life, psychologist Philip Zimbardo sought to determine whether external situations or inner traits are more powerful determinants of human behavior.
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Research participants, paid $15 per day for the anticipated two-week study, are randomly assigned to play the roles of prisoners or guards. Psychological testing indicated none of the participants suffered from psychological disorder. Stripped, deloused, and blindfolded, the prisoners are ushered into their barren cells. To foster a sense of power, the guards are dressed in military uniforms and silver reflecting sunglasses.
The first day passes uneventfully as prisoners and guards are not yet into their roles. However, on the second day, the prisoners curse the guards, and openly rebel. Responding to this challenge to their authority, the guards use sheer power to enforce compliance to prison rules. They became arbitrary, even inventive in their use of punishment. They awaken the prisoners in the middle of the night and force them to clean toilets with their bare hands. Overcome by the harsh treatment, Prisoner 8612 asks to be released. Zimbardo, who serves as prison warden, initially denies the request. However, when the prisoner became increasingly disturbed, Zimbardo releases him.
Throughout the program, former guards and prisoners reflect on their experience. One guard notes how little support the prisoners offered each another. When Prisoner 819 expresses his desire to leave, his fellow inmates derogate him. By the time replacement prisoner 416 joins the group at midweek, the guards and prisoners have fallen into their respective roles of dominance and submission. Although the guards vary in their treatment of the prisoners, the “good” guards do little to restrain the cruelty of their harsh partners. When Prisoner 416 goes on a hunger strike, both guards and fellow prisoners deride him. Power corrupts, notes one of the former guards, and oppressed people have great difficulty standing up for themselves.
By the end of the fifth day, four prisoners have psychologically broken down and have been released. Psychologist Christina Maslach’s visit to the prison on the sixth day leads Zimbardo to end his study prematurely. Maslach observes the shackled prisoners being lead to the toilet with bags over their heads. She recognizes that they are truly suffering. Prisoners feel shame, and guards experience guilt. The clip ends with Zimbardo’s thoughtful reflections on the need for ethical treatment of human research participants. He also notes how his study demonstrates the power of evil situations to overwhelm the intentions of good people.