Mind WondersPlay

Famous ExperimentsResearch Integrity

The Prison That Wasn't What We Were Told

Famous for proving power corrupts; the recordings tell another story

What would you make of a study about power if you found the researchers had coached the behavior you saw?

You'll find out

  • Open the guard briefing
  • Compare a second prison study
  • Check a claim behind its headline

Why it matters

Spot the hidden instructions behind a dramatic claim before you use the story to judge someone.

About 3 min6 interactive slides · 5 questionsLesson 48 · Zone 6

Play this lesson

Free to play in your browser or on iPhone

More in this zone

  1. 46ObedienceThe Obedience ExperimentOrdinary people gave what they believed were dangerous shocks because a man in a lab coat said so
  2. 47ConformityThe Line TestWould you call a short line long because everyone else did?
  3. 49Bystander EffectThe 38 Witnesses Who Weren'tThe murder that launched bystander research didn't happen the way the newspaper said
  4. 50HelpingThe Good Samaritan StudySeminary students rushing to give a talk about helping strangers walked past a man in need
  5. 51Group ConflictThe Robbers Cave CampTwo groups of boys became bitter rivals within days, then friends again
  6. 52Social LearningThe Bobo DollKids who watched an adult beat up a doll copied every punch
  7. 53ExpectationsPygmalion in the ClassroomTeachers were told some kids would bloom, and those kids did
  8. 54AttachmentLove Beats Food: Harlow's MonkeysBaby monkeys chose a soft cloth mother over a wire one that gave milk