Based on the provided text, state which observational research method Leon Festinger and his colleagues used to study the Seekers cult. In addition, state the exact date of the predicted apocalypse and describe how the cult members explained the failure of this prophecy.
Question: Based on the provided text, state which observational research method Leon Festinger and his colleagues used to study the Seekers cult. In addition, state the exact date of the predicted apocalypse and describe how the cult members explained the failure of this prophecy.
Sample answer: Festinger and his colleagues used disguised participant observation. The predicted apocalypse was scheduled for December 21, 1954. When it failed, the members explained that their own faith had saved the world from the apocalypse.
Key points:
- Identifies the method as disguised participant observation.
- Recalls the date of the predicted apocalypse as December 21, 1954.
- Recalls that members claimed their faith prevented the apocalypse.
Rubric: Students must recall three specific details from the text: 1) the method is disguised participant observation, 2) the date is December 21, 1954, and 3) the explanation is that their faith prevented the apocalypse.
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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU
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In the study conducted by Festinger and his colleagues, members of the 'Seekers' cult responded to the failed prophecy of December 21, 1954, by abandoning their beliefs.
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Match each methodological feature of Festinger's Seekers study to its specific manifestation in the research design.
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Based on the provided text, state which observational research method Leon Festinger and his colleagues used to study the Seekers cult. In addition, state the exact date of the predicted apocalypse and describe how the cult members explained the failure of this prophecy.
Explain why hiding their identities (disguised participant observation) is central to comprehending the members' genuine coping mechanisms in this case. How does this compare to Festinger's findings regarding the Seekers' beliefs after the failed apocalypse on December 21, 1954?
If you were to apply the methodology of Festinger's Seekers study to investigate how members of a modern forum react when a predicted technological event fails to happen, how would you design the observation and what specific cognitive outcome would you measure based on Festinger's theory?