What is a notable example of an unethical experiment?

The Stanford prison experiment is indeed a notable example of an unethical experiment due to significant ethical concerns surrounding the treatment of participants and the psychological impact it had on them. Conducted by Philip Zimbardo in 1971, the study was designed to explore the effects of perceived power and environment on behavior within a simulated prison setting. Participants were assigned roles as either guards or prisoners, and the experiment quickly devolved into abusive behavior by the guards, leading to extreme psychological distress for the prisoners.

The ethical violations in the Stanford prison experiment stem from several factors. First, participants were subjected to harsh treatment and psychological harm without adequate safeguards. The researchers failed to provide a safe environment, and participants were not fully informed of the potential risks involved. Additionally, the study's duration was extended despite clear signs of distress among the participants, raising concerns about the ethical obligation researchers have to protect the welfare of those involved.

In contrast, the other studies mentioned involve more ethical considerations or have been conducted with institutional oversight and benefit to public health or understanding of psychology. For instance, the Framingham Heart Study has contributed significantly to cardiovascular health understanding and included ethical standards related to long-term participant welfare, while the Milgram experiment, while controversial, focused on obedience rather than causing harm