Do you think the Stanford Prison Experiment was ethical? Why or why not?
After reading about the experiment and watching the interview with Dr. Zimbardo I believe the study was ethical, but barely. According to the doctor these students were paid and everyone was informed of the potential seriousness of the study. I think some people may consider the study unethical because of its unintended outcome. I don't think anyone expected a rebellion of the prisoners and their reaction of the guards because of this. I think it was right for the study to end after the third day, any longer and I would consider this experiment unethical.
After reading about the experiment and watching the interview with Dr. Zimbardo I believe the study was ethical, but barely. According to the doctor these students were paid and everyone was informed of the potential seriousness of the study. I think some people may consider the study unethical because of its unintended outcome. I don't think anyone expected a rebellion of the prisoners and their reaction of the guards because of this. I think it was right for the study to end after the third day, any longer and I would consider this experiment unethical.
Mike: When I've asked students to reply to this, about half believe it was unethical. Those who consider this ethical usually write that the "prisoners" could have left the experimental situation any time they preferred.
ReplyDeleteIn the future, you need to extend your discussions to enable you to attain greater depth. Richard Bobys