Peer Review

The Stanford Prison Experiment

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: Feb 21, 2016 by Sociology

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: The website provides an overview of the 1971 Stanford Prison Experiment with photographs and documentary videos. The site includes a detailed account of the study with discussion questions in seven languages. Web links to readings, lectures, and media by the principal investigator, Dr. Philip Zimbardo, are accessible on the site. Users may also access additional primary and secondary sources on prison research, prison-related organizations, prisoner abuse and rights, and capital punishment from the Related Links page.
Type of Material:: Simulated case study and learning object repository with reference material.
Recommended Uses:: Best used as a source outside of class; some of the short videos would also work well in class. It can also be used for individual and team assignments and as material for lectures.
Technical Requirements:: Browser and Flash player or plugin.
Identify Major Learning Goals:: Students will be able to explain the benefits and challenges of simulation research and will be able to identify methods for collecting, notating, and recording data in social research. Students will also be able to evaluate and analyze the influence of simulation research on participants and explain the influence of power, status, and roles on thinking and behavior.
Target Student Population:: Undergraduate primarily with some use for graduate students. Could be used in courses in psychology and social psychology as well as deviance.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: Basic computer skills. Familiarity with basic research methods.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:: Presents a detailed account of the Stanford Prison Experiment with photos and videos. Includes discussion questions emphasizing comprehension and critical thinking. Also provides links to additional sources pertaining to the topic.
Concerns:: The site offers a basic framework for study; however, additional resources and readings should be adopted to offer a comprehensive course or subject learning experience.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:: Does an excellent job in presenting the study and how the participants became so engaged. Some useful supplemental materials are provided (e.g., FAQs, Related Links, Discussion Questions).
Concerns:: The site does not function as a stand-alone resource. Instructors and students will need to use additional learning materials and other external resources to re-enforce discipline specific content related to specific course learning outcomes.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:: The site is easy to use and accessible using multiple devices. The content is engaging with the integration of actual research photos and video. Related links are useful and assist learners in identifying additional primary and secondary sources that coincide with the research. It can be used as a single unit or parts can be used to illustrate concepts. Good mixture of films and narrative.
Concerns:: None.

Other Issues and Comments:: This website may be considered as a supplemental resource for courses including special topics on crime, criminal justice, deviance, research methods, social problems, social policy, social psychology, and/or stratification.
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