Social psychologist Philip Zimbardo randomly assigned participants to play the role of either prison guard or prisoner in a simulated prison for two weeks. What were the results of this simulation?

A) Because the prison guards were not given thorough instructions, most of the prisoners were able to escape.
B) Realizing they were being studied by psychologists, the prison guards were helpful and courteous to the prisoners.
C) The prison guards became so cruel that the study had to be called to an end after only six days.
D) The prisoners became so rebellious and violent they had to double the number of guards in order to maintain control.

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Vat's Gandhi · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : C, Explanation :  The prison guards became increasingly abusive and sadistic towards the prisoners, to the point where the study had to be terminated after only six days due to concerns for the safety and well-being of the participants. This demonstrated the powerful influence that social roles and situational factors can have on behavior.

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