Interpersonal Dynamics in a Simulated Prison Craig Haney and others

Author contends that prisons are failing “Rehabilitation” not happening Not a deterrent to future crime Recidivism rates of up to 75% Plus, huge expenses associated with prisons

Dispositional hypothesis- Rarely spoken, this states that The deplorable conditions in our prisons are due to the “nature” of those who administer them, or The “nature” of those who are incarcerated, or both

Problems are caused by “bad seeds”, not “prison soil”

System remains unchallenged Basic structure remains unexamined

Method Experimental simulated prison Created “real prison life”

22 participants Those judged to be “most stable” were selected Half assigned role of guard Other half assigned role of prisoner No pre-existing friendships

Role instructions Guarantee minimally adequate diet, clothing, housing, etc. No physical abuse Not told anything else

Guards Have orientation Meet “superintendent” (researcher) Meet “warden” (grad assistant) Told to “maintain order” Work eight hours shifts

Prisoners In “prison” 24 hours a day

Physical aspects of the prison

Uniforms

Induction Process Prisoners “arrested” at their residences HandcuffedBookedStrippedDelousedMugshot

Administrative routine “Count” – learn ID numbers Eventually last a long time

Data collection Videotaping Audio recording Rating scales Individual difference scales Personal observations through diaries and post experimental questionnaires

Data Analysis

Researchers are looking for Certain types of interactions Ex. Threats, insults, resistance, etc.

The environment of the simulated prison Had great impact upon the affective (emotional) states of both guards and prisoners And The interpersonal processes within and between groups

Both groups Decrease in positive emotion Outlook becomes negative Prisoners wished to do more harm to others

Behavior was often HostileNegativeDehumanizing

Prisoners became very passive While guards became very active in initiating contact Contact is very impersonal No references to individual identity

5 “prisoners” had to be released Depression, crying, rage, acute anxiety Had to stop experiment early, only six days rather than two weeks Prisoners overjoyed, guards disappointed

No guard ever came to “work” late Stayed on for no extra pay

Power of social forces operating Is overwhelming All guards participated in sadistic treatment of prisoners

Personal statements p.50

Debriefing First prisoners, Then guards, Then all together

Follow ups over the year revealed the negative effects were temporary the negative effects were temporary

Conclusions The environment caused “sadistic” behavior from non-sadistic types And Acute emotional breakdowns from those not prone to them

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