A Natural Experiment of the Prince Hypothesis on Classroom Vandalism

Abstract

The Prince Hypothesis, popularized in the television show The Simpsons, claims that greater visibility reduces vandalism. While environmental criminology makes similar predictions, to date it is unknown how other environmental factors influence this relationship. Using a natural experiment, desks at a public university were systematically assigned to either signage or no signage groups (N = 113). The Canny edge detection algorithm was then used to digitize graffiti, measuring it to the pixel. Evidence shows that visibility and signage work together to prevent graffiti, particularly when it comes to high problem areas.