Category: During the experiment

The next day I was sweeping the hallway in front of the cells when an announcement was made that “Prisoner 1037 will be paroled.” One of my fellow prisoners asked “Who is 1037.” Since we had been using our own names he did not realize it was me. That evening I met with Dr. Zimbardo…

Since I had been told I could not quit the experiment, my only way to leave before its conclusion was to be “paroled.” Before meeting with the “parole board” I was still able to smile during line-ups. I had experienced enough of the experiment and decided I wanted to be released before the upcoming Monday…

I also included with the letter this sketch that I had drawn.

I signed the letter “OFF THE PIGS” to see if that would be censored. The phrase was popular at the time and referred to police, but it was not a phrase I ever used. (Click the image to open it. Scroll down for the transcribed text) This is only the second letter I’ve been able…

The same day my mother wrote her letter, I was able to write and send this letter to some friends. (Click the image to open it. Scroll down for the transcribed text) Dear everyone, Here I am in prison. This is the third day and already I’ve had more fun than I thought possible. It…

I did not learn until after the experiment was over that my mother was so concerned about me that she had sent this letter the next day. (Click the image to open it. Scroll down for the transcribed text) My husband and I visited our son at “Stanford County Prison.” It seemed very real to…

This photo of my father, in the center with my mother on the right, has been labeled “Distraught visiting parent.” It looks to me that my father is just reacting to the sinus condition he suffered from. My parents were very concerned about my appearance. I told them it was due to having my sleep…

My parents were among the visitors waiting to meet with us. Source: exhibits.stanford.edu/spe – Image

On visiting day we were given the best meal we had had so far, although I do not recall what was served. Source: exhibits.stanford.edu/spe – Image

I recall meeting at some point with Dr. Zimbardo and asking about what to do if I wanted to quit the experiment. I was told that I could not quit. I had agreed to take the job and had to stay until the experiment ended. At that point I felt that I had actually made…

After Dr. Zimbardo was satisfied the threat of a breakout was over, the prison was reassembled and we were returned to our cells. Source: exhibits.stanford.edu/spe – Image

While I remember being blindfolded at times, I do not remember being led upstairs to a temporary location while our “prison” was dismantled. After the experiment I learned Dr. Zimbardo was in the prison hallway to greet anyone planning to help us breakout. He planned to tell them the experiment had ended. Source: exhibits.stanford.edu/spe –…

I had no idea at the time this photo was taken, that Doug Korpi’s replacement prisoner was an informant who was there to find out the plans for a prison break. I also learned after the experiment that “the committee with the purpose of protecting experiment participants” did not exist. It was just another ruse…

I do not remember much about the food we were served, but I think some meals consisted of a slice of bologna between two slices of bread without any condiments. Source: exhibits.stanford.edu/spe – Image

After our rebellion, and Doug’s release, I met in a conference room with a young man and woman who identified themselves as students who were part of a committee with the purpose of protecting experiment participants. They asked me about how I was being treated, and if I knew anything about Doug’s plans to break…

I do not remember participating in a grievance meeting as this photo shows, with Dr. Zimbardo in his role as prison superintendent. This may have been after my cellmate, Doug Korpi, had been released from the experiment. I remember discussing with Doug his plan to pretend he was having a mental breakdown so he could…

You can see in this photo that the stocking cap I had been wearing was replaced by a cloth, since the cap was hard to keep on. I do not recall all of the daily activities, but I do remember some parts of our prisoner “rebellion.” We struggled with guards to keep our sleeping cots…

The next day I was able to write only one letter, so I let my parents know about how I was doing so far. (Click the image to open it. Scroll down for the transcribed text) Dear Mom and Dad, They’ve only allowed me to write one letter so far. If this gets to you…

We were told to only use our numbers instead of our actual names when speaking to each other. But in our cells most of us prisoners used our real names. Even some of the guards, when not around their peers, would share their names with us. After going to bed the first night, I remember…

I was blindfolded on the way to the “prison” and had to remove all of my clothing upon arrival. I was also sprayed with a powder. I was given flip-flop sandals and something similar to a toga to wear. A small chain was locked around one of my ankles with a padlock. Although I expected…

I do not think the police department is where my mug shot was taken since it shows me wearing the outfit given to me after I arrived at what was named “Stanford County Prison.” Source: exhibits.stanford.edu/spe

I do not recall for certain, but I think the Police Department is where my fingerprints were taken.  

I was taken to the Palo Alto Police Department and “booked.” Sources: PrisonExp.org and exhibits.stanford.edu/spe – Image 1 from film – Image 2 – Image 3