These days, it seems like people will do anything to get public attention. Reality t.v. has without a doubt taken over our living rooms, but exactly how far will producers and contestants go to reach fame? Apparently, they will go pretty far. One of the most controversial psychological studies, the Stanford Prison Experiment, was made into a reality television show called The Experiment. Like the original experiment, the television show was also stopped early.
Now, since we are all aware of the psychological consequences that could be brought about by this study, why would they even think about replicating the study in the form of a reality show? Personally, I don't think it was a good idea, but it's Hollywood, apparently they can do whatever they want.
Here is some information about the reality show:
http://bbcprisonstudy.org/index.php
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1986889.stm
Now, since we are all aware of the psychological consequences that could be brought about by this study, why would they even think about replicating the study in the form of a reality show? Personally, I don't think it was a good idea, but it's Hollywood, apparently they can do whatever they want.
Here is some information about the reality show:
http://bbcprisonstudy.org/index.php
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1986889.stm
This was a very good post. I was just having this same conversation with a couple of my roommates. I find it quite ironic that as researchers/scientists/psychologists need to provide testable information and psychological assistance (if necessary) after a study has been completed. We see the exact opposite in reality television shows. How come we have standards for actual science, but yet when it comes to entertainment, producers do not need to provide a literature review, research and hypothesis, or even a methods "section" explaining the cost/benefits that these people may go through during the filming process. I myself am not a reality t.v. fan, in fact I steer clear from most television. The fact is that the government should be placing sanctions and/or requirements on producers/companies/entertainment entities in general because of the possible (psychological and physical) harm that reality "stars" are subjected to. I can, however, see how easily it would be for producers to get a show lined up if all they have to do is find willing participants who could care less what happens to them - just as long as they are on television.