What This Document Is
This is an essay, completed by a student named Michelle Gilmer for PSY 452 Experimental Psychology at Grand Canyon University, focusing on ethical considerations within psychological research. It specifically analyzes the Stanford Prison Experiment, identifying both ethical standards upheld and violations that occurred during the study. The essay was submitted on May 2, 2020, to Professor Schmitz.
Why This Document Matters
This assignment is relevant for students enrolled in experimental psychology courses, particularly those studying research methods and ethical guidelines. It serves as an example of how to apply the American Psychological Association’s (APA) ethical principles to a real-world, and historically controversial, psychological study. It demonstrates critical thinking about research design and participant welfare.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This is a single student’s interpretation and analysis of the Stanford Prison Experiment’s ethics. It does not represent a comprehensive review of all ethical debates surrounding the study, nor does it offer definitive solutions. It is a focused assignment, not a scholarly article.
What This Document Provides
The essay details the context of the Stanford Prison Experiment, outlines specific APA ethical standards (privacy, informed consent, protection from harm), and identifies where Zimbardo’s study met or failed to meet those standards. It begins to explore potential modifications to the study to improve its ethical standing. This preview does *not* include the full analysis of potential changes, nor the complete argument regarding replicability. It also does not include the full text of the APA ethical guidelines.
