What did one-third of the guards demonstrate in Haney et al.'s study?

In Haney et al.'s study, one-third of the guards exhibited genuinely sadistic behavior, which is significant because it highlights how situational factors can influence individuals' actions and attitudes. The findings indicated that a substantial portion of the guards became overly aggressive and abusive towards the prisoners, showcasing a troubling aspect of human behavior when placed in positions of power within a controlled environment. This sadism is critical to understanding how social and psychological dynamics can lead to extreme behaviors, particularly in contexts where individuals may feel a sense of entitlement or authority.

In contrast, the other options do not reflect the primary findings of the study. While empathy and adherence to regulations may be ideal behaviors in a prison setting, they were not the dominant characteristics displayed by the guards in this particular experiment. Indifference also did not capture the extreme range of behaviors shown; rather, the presence of sadistic tendencies painted a clearer picture of the guards' responses to the situational pressures they faced.