I have been formulating a small hypothesis in this regard. I have been
impressed by the relative lack of apocalyptic cults that have surfaced. My
hypothesis is that the presence of the "real" Y2K threat has dampened the
enthusiasm for the more Nostradamus-type of predictions. My problem is I
don't know of a good way to test the validity of this speculation.
Michael Quanty
Psychology Professor
CBMTS Project Director
Thomas Nelson Community College
P.O. Box 9407
Hampton, Virginia 23670
Voice: 757.825.3500
Fax: 757.825.3807
-----Original Message-----
From: John W. Kulig [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Wednesday, November 03, 1999 10:17 AM
To: TIPS
Subject: Y2K opportunities for teaching & research
I offer no guess as to how psychology will differ in the next 1000 years
(Michael's question). But, Y2K presents alot of opportunities for social
psychology research. These include an opportunity to study hoarding
behavior (who does it, what do they hoard, etc.), mass hysteria, a
replication of Festinger's dissonance findings on prophecies (i.e. how
to cults explain why the world didn't end), religious behavior, .... The
possibilities are endless ..
It will also be fun seeing who will be the _first_ tipster to post in
the next millinium :)
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John W. Kulig [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Department of Psychology http://oz.plymouth.edu
Plymouth State College tel: (603) 535-2468
Plymouth NH USA 03264 fax: (603) 535-2412
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"The only rational way of educating is to be an example - if
one can't help it, a warning example." A. Einstein, 1934.
