The effects of three experimental prison environments on the behaviour of non-convict volunteer subjects

Abstract

In order to examine the effects of possible changes in the social organization of prisons, a comparison was made of three experimental prison regimes, using 60 non-convict volunteer subjects. A baseline regime was modelled closely on existing medium-high security prisons. The two other regimes differed in the degree of individuality and participation accorded the prisoners. In an independent groups design with one replication, each group (six prisoners and four officers) spent four days in the experimental prison. The three regimes differed significantly in general atmosphere, and the character of the relations that developed between officers and prisoners. The results were interpreted as further evidence that hostile affrontive relations in prisons are a function of the social organization of prisons rather than the personal characteristics of the participants.