Which ethical issues were raised by Zimbardo's study?

Which ethical issues were raised by Zimbardo's study?

• A. Lack of informed consent
• B. Deception
• C. Lack of protection from psychological harm
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Ethical issues in this study revolve around how participants were treated and protected. People who took part were volunteering, but they weren’t fully informed about what they’d experience or the levels of psychological distress that could result, and the study used deception about the nature of the situation. The emotional and psychological strain observed—humiliation, anxiety, and signs of distress—showed participants weren’t adequately protected from psychological harm. Because these concerns cover multiple ethical dimensions, they collectively point to all of the above.

Ethical issues in this study revolve around how participants were treated and protected. People who took part were volunteering, but they weren’t fully informed about what they’d experience or the levels of psychological distress that could result, and the study used deception about the nature of the situation. The emotional and psychological strain observed—humiliation, anxiety, and signs of distress—showed participants weren’t adequately protected from psychological harm. Because these concerns cover multiple ethical dimensions, they collectively point to all of the above.