Stanford Prison Experiment
In short
A controversial 1971 psychological study at Stanford University that simulated a prison environment to see how people react to power and authority. The experiment was intended to last two weeks but was stopped after only six days due to the extreme behaviour of the participants.
In plain words
Researchers split students into groups of guards and prisoners. The guards became very cruel and the prisoners became very distressed. It showed how quickly people can change when they are put into powerful or submissive roles.
A simple example
A student playing a guard might start bullying a student playing a prisoner just because they are wearing a uniform and holding authority.
Why it matters
It is a famous study used to discuss how social situations and roles can influence human behaviour. It also raised major ethical questions about how much harm researchers should be allowed to cause in studies.
Easy to mix up
Do not confuse this with the Milgram experiment, which focused on obedience to authority through electric shocks.