Feb 20
Sioux Falls State Theatre Sioux Falls, SD
TicketsDr. Karla Hunter
Professor of Communication Studies at South Dakota State University
The Stanford Prison Experiment— Power, control, and chaos
Program Description
Explore the complex dynamics of power and control with Dr. Karla Hunter, professor of communication studies at South Dakota State University. In this compelling Science on Screen presentation, Dr. Hunter delves into the controversial Stanford Prison Experiment, examining its implications for research ethics, the psychology of authority, and the chaos that ensues when power goes unchecked. This engaging discussion sheds light on what this infamous study taught us about human behavior and its lasting impact on the field of social science.
Film Synopsis
In 1971, Stanford Professor Philip Zimbardo conducts a controversial psychology experiment in which college students pretend to be either prisoners or guards, but the proceedings soon get out of hand.
In this tense, psychological thriller based on the notorious true story, Billy Crudup stars as Stanford University professor Dr. Philip Zimbardo, who, in 1971, cast 24 student volunteers as prisoners and guards in a simulated jail to examine the source of abusive behavior in the prison system. The results astonished the world, as participants went from middle-class undergrads to drunk-with-power sadists and submissive victims in just a few days.
About the Speaker
Dr. Karla Hunter is a Professor of Communication Studies at South Dakota State University whose work seeks to elevate educational and healthcare opportunities essential to self-sufficiency and quality of life. Her award-winning research explores how communication shapes wellness, self-efficacy, and cultural belonging. With a deep understanding of the dynamics of power and influence, Dr. Hunter brings valuable insights to tonight’s exploration of The Stanford Prison Experiment.