It is interesting how students will use popular ideas or basic
superstitions to develop excuses and rationalizations for their lack of
effective study. I have encountered the red ink aversiveness only once, a
few years ago. The student just said red was more anxiety-producing. I
thought it could be useful as an example of conditioning and have described
it as such. It also provides a useful opening to discuss superstitious
thinking and its relation to anxiety. I have lessened my use of red ink and
use black more now; probably a form of avoidance conditioning to avoid
student reaction and evaluation comments. Still, many papers now have all
black ink on them and I still get the excuse-making defense now and then.
Black, of course, is symbolic of fertility and reaching to the depths of the
unconscious reservior to create anew, and balance out the daylight
conformity imposed by rigid school structure. Hence, I am actually
encouraging personal growth and creativity, albeit of a hidden dimension to
personality. While all may be dark now, I assure the student that with
their hard work and perseverance, they can break thru the dark to achieve a
wholeness with a rainbow shining on their next paper and a lollipop
attached. It is not so much the call for me to give up the red ink that is
a bother, but when they want to arrange the seating, the apa layout of the
paper, and the way assignments are given out so as to conform to Feng Shui
principles, then I must draw the line---in red ink of course ;-) Gary
Peterson
Gerald (Gary) L. Peterson, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Psychology
Saginaw Valley State University
University Center, MI 48710
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
1-517-790-4491
