Michael Sylvester wrote:
> I am toying with the idea of conducting a Shame/guilt
> experiment on campus and it's social implications.
Ok.
> I am thinking of selecting about six students to stand in front of the
> Student Union building with a signs that read " I cheated on my
> Psychology Exam and I stand here before you to seek your forgiveness."
Ok.
> Of course the students will be wearing masks.
So much for your experiment. Why should anyone who is anonymous feel
guilt or shame over the content of a sign that: (1) Is not true and; (2)
with which they cannot be personally identified?
If you want to experiment with guilt/shame, use students who HAVE cheated
on your exams and who are given the option of participating in your
experiment in lieu of a failing grade--and don't give them masks!
> What are the possible campus wide effects?
Probably signs such as: "I cheated on my Pap smear," or "I cheated on
Spring Break!" You might hit the "They're at it Again!" type page in the
school paper, but that's about it.
> Is it a good idea or not?
Not really--it's poor research methodology to present as an example of
psychology as a science, given your original constraints, it's very
unlikely to produce any sort of meaningful data, and no human research
review board at a college I'm familiar with would even consider approving
it.
Sorry, Michael. Back to the drawing board.
Rick
--
Rick Adams
Department of Social Sciences
Jackson Community College
Jackson, MI
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
"... and the only measure of your worth and your deeds will be the love
you leave behind when you're gone. --Fred Small, Everything Possible "
