The David Rosenhan study on “Being Sane in Insane Places” is an infamous psychological study from the 1970’s. The study was originally published in the journal Science and involved Rosenhan, a Stanford University psychologist, and other healthy “pseudo patients” faking psychotic symptoms to gain admission to mental health facilities across five states. The study caused Rosenhan to confidently conclude, “It is clear that we cannot distinguish the sane from the insane in psychiatric hospitals.” The study went on to be interpreted as an invalidation of psychiatry, and diagnosis overall.
This study has always been controversial, but in recent years accusations have arisen regarding his methods and ethics. What is your opinion of the Rosenhan Study? Do you agree with Rosenhan and his findings or do you disagree? Please base your opinion on evidence and terminology covered throughout the class. One such example would be if you disagree, what were the potential confounding variables that led you to that conclusion?
video: https://youtu.be/D8OxdGV_7lo?si=8sZSaL7zqddYsSZS