Friday, February 4, 2011

Microblog #13, "Opening Skinner's Box, Chapter 4"

Summary
In this chapter the author discusses David Rosenhan's infiltration (he was the ringleader; there were multiple participants) of several psychiatric institutions during the 1960s. The experiment itself, and the backlash are covered, and then Slater's attempt to repeat the experiment in response to Dr. Spitzer's assertion it wouldn't work in 2004. He is wrong, although this time around weak prescription trumps institutionalization.

Discussion
This Rosenhan character is awesome. I also found particularly interesting the backlash of the psychiatrists against Rosenhan; it is understandable, given that in the public eye he demoted them from science to pseudoscience overnight, but still fascinating to see.

I do think the author was unfair to Spitzer over his (lack of) reaction to the news of Rosenhan's current condition. Just because I guy isn't falling all over himself to cry about it doesn't mean he wanted it to happen or has no sympathy. Some folks are just reserved.

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