An empirical analysis of the effectiveness of psychological warfare.

Abstract

Standardized interviews were held with a sample of Korean and Chinese war prisoners to attempt to determine receptiveness to psychological warfare (PW). Nine factors were studied, including two criterion factors (degree of disaffection shown and degree of willingness to surrender peacefully). Scores on the factors were intercorrelated, and certain partial and multiple correlations were analyzed. The results "appeared to corroborate the major hypothesis . . . that PW is effective in changing behavior, but its effects are mainly of a precipitating nature that is differential for persons more sensitized to it by their morale and experiences . . . "

A further analysis of the effectiveness of psychological warfare.

“…In a previous article in this Journal (1) the authors presented the results from the first of a series of research evaluations of psychological warfare (PW). The purpose of these researches was primarily directed toward analyzing hypotheses about the fundamental nature of psychological warfare; specifically, to determine certain of the antecedent and attendant psychological factors that influence the effectiveness of tactical psychological warfare.…”

“…In addition, his behavior may be said to be determined by a number of situational factors, such as the physical environment in which he is obliged to operate, his participation in "military" operations, and the like. 1 This report was extracted from a more detailed and complete report of the total research project. The material has been approved for publication by the British War Office, the United States Department of the Army, and the Operations Research Office, The Johns Hopkins University The views herein expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the British Army, United States Army, or the Operations Research Office.…”