Essay

Evaluating Experimenter Influence in a Prison Simulation Study

In a famous prison simulation study, the lead researcher provided the participants assigned as 'guards' with specific instructions on how to behave, suggesting they should create an atmosphere of control and powerlessness for the 'prisoners'. Critically evaluate the argument that these instructions, and the participants' desire to fulfill the researchers' expectations, were a more significant factor in the guards' resulting aggressive behavior than the simulated prison environment itself. Justify your conclusion.

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Updated 2025-10-09

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