What behavior did the guards exhibit towards the prisoners in the study?

In the study, the guards exhibited behavior characterized by humiliation towards the prisoners, which became a significant aspect of their interactions. This behavior was part of an experiment designed to investigate the psychological effects of perceived power and authority within a prison setting. The guards adopted authoritarian roles, employing tactics that included verbal abuse, harassment, and insult, illustrating how situational dynamics can lead to harsh treatment of individuals in subordinate positions.

Such actions highlight the impact of social roles on behavior, demonstrating how individuals may act in ways that align with the expectations of their assigned roles. This phenomenon is often supported by theories in social psychology that explore deindividuation and social influence.