Applying Social Psychological Concepts outside the Classroom

Abstract

This article evaluates a writing assignment in which social psychology students gathered examples from outside the classroom (e.g., cartoons, movies) and analyzed them with course material. Compared to a control group, students who completed the assignment learned that it was easier to apply social psychology to the real world. A follow-up survey 9 months later demonstrated that this effect persisted. Students who completed the assignment also valued social psychology more and believed they had learned more in their social psychology course.