What behavior did Zimbardo observe in guards over the duration of the study?

Zimbardo observed increasingly sadistic actions toward the prisoners over the duration of the study. The Stanford prison experiment showcased how ordinary individuals, when placed in positions of power and authority, can exhibit extreme behaviors, including cruelty and aggression. The guards, given authority in the simulated prison environment, began to dehumanize the prisoners and engage in humiliating and abusive practices. This transformation was a direct reflection of the oppressive role dynamics established within the context of the experiment, demonstrating how power can corrupt and lead to abusive behavior.

The environment fostered by the study allowed the guards to adopt these sadistic tendencies, as social and situational influences played a significant role in shaping their conduct. Notably, many of the guards reported enjoying their roles, which further illustrates the psychological effects of situational factors overriding individual moral and ethical considerations. This observation is pivotal in understanding the implications of the experiment regarding authority and individual behavior in social contexts.