What was a major ethical concern regarding Zimbardo's study?

One major ethical concern regarding Zimbardo's study, often known as the Stanford prison experiment, is the application of psychological harm to the participants. The study aimed to investigate the effects of perceived power and authority in a simulated prison environment, but as it progressed, the participants assigned to the role of guards began to engage in abusive behavior towards those assigned as prisoners. This led to significant psychological distress among the participants, raising serious questions about the ethical guidelines for conducting research, particularly concerning the welfare and protection of subjects.

In psychology, it is paramount to ensure that participants are not subjected to undue stress or harm during experimental procedures. Zimbardo’s study vividly illustrates the potential for psychological harm in situations where individuals are placed in extreme environmental conditions, blurring the line of ethical practice in research. This concern highlights the importance of informed consent, debriefing, and ensuring the overall well-being of participants in psychological studies.