The excitation of the 2p(5)3p[5/2](3) and 2p(5)3p'[1/2](1) states in t
he neon 3p manifold by transversally polarised electrons is studied in
the electron energy region near threshold and beyond. The spin-orbit
and exchange interactions during the excitation are explored by the me
asurement of integrated Stokes parameters P-2 and P-3 for the decay ra
diation from these states. Experimental evidence is given for the brea
kdown of LS coupling for the neon 3p (J = 1) state and the important r
ole of spin-orbit and exchange interactions of the atomic electrons fo
r the excitation of the state. Negative ion resonances strongly influe
nce the polarisations of the decay radiations.