A Psychiatric Experiment H.L. Mencken Would've Enjoyed

The Guardian Unlimited has printed a story, or, more accurately, an edited extract, from a book written by psychologist Lauren Slater, which relates the results of a repeated experiment.  The experiment was undertaken originally by psychologist David Rosenhan in 1972.  The experiment entails healthy, sane individuals attempting to get themselves admitted to psychiatric hospitals after not showering or shaving for five days and stating that they hear a voice.  The voice says “thud.” That’s it, nothing else, just “thud.” The results, are, to say the least, amusing.  Both in 1972 and in its most recent incarnation.

The story is entitled “Into the cuckoo’s nest." Here’s the link to part II.

I found the story immensely entertaining, and, would have thoroughly enjoyed being a participant.  The lovely Melis says that’s because I’m part crazy anyway.

Via Tyler Cowen posting over at The Volokh Conspiracy.

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