The Stanford Prison Experiment: What Zimbardo's Famous Study Teaches Us - Reading Comprehension

Imagine being thrust into a role so powerful that it changes your behavior in ways you never thought possible. This is precisely what happened in the summer of 1971, when a group of college students participated in one of the most controversial and illuminating psychological studies ever conducted: the Stanford Prison Experiment. Led by psychologist Philip Zimbardo, this experiment sought to explore the psychological effects of perceived power and authority within a simulated prison environment.

This Reading Comprehension / Informational Text explores the profound impact of situational dynamics on human behavior. It delves into how ordinary individuals, when placed in positions of power or subjugation, can undergo dramatic changes in their actions and attitudes. The text examines the ethical implications of the experiment, the psychological mechanisms at play, and the broader lessons about authority, conformity, and the human psyche.

This reading worksheet is suitable for advanced to proficient ESL learners or native English speakers. After carefully reading the text, students are required to complete some comprehension exercises including:

• comprehension questions
• a multiple-choice exercise
• a crossword
• a definitions match

This resource can be used as a mini-lesson, assigned for homework, or used for vocabulary-building purposes.

Total number of pages: 9