In 1971, after earning an associates degree at our local community college, I was checking the San Jose Mercury newspaper classified ads for a summer job when one ad similar to this one caught my attention. I was concerned about being drafted into the Army and wondered if I would be willing to go to prison instead of killing people in a war. I thought the job might help me make my decision. I applied for the job, took a psychological profile exam, and was asked if I would prefer to be a guard or a prisoner. I answered prisoner. Days later I was hired and assigned the role of prisoner.
(After the experiment ended I was told all applicants had chosen prisoner.)
Source: exhibits.stanford.edu/speImage

Newspaper ad requesting male college students for psychological study.
Male college students needed for psychological study of prison life. $15 per day for 1-2 weeks beginning Aug. 14. For further information & applications come to Room 248, Jordan Hall, Stanford U.

 

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