Promoting Comfort and Confidence With Conducting Research Through a Pluralistic Ignorance Project

Abstract

This article documents a pluralistic ignorance project, which serves as an appropriate mid-level research experience for psychology students, and aims to foster students’ comfort and confidence with the research process. For the project, small groups of students utilized an established research paradigm to explore varied topics. After being assessed in a pilot study, the project was evaluated by a group of students enrolled in a social psychology course at various points throughout the assignment. Students reported broad enjoyment of the assignment and supported its future use. They also reported greater comfort and confidence with aspects of the research process (e.g., forming hypotheses, providing feedback to classmates). Data suggested the project has the potential to foster positive attitudes toward the research process, with potential long-term effects. Suggestions for customizing the pluralistic ignorance project are discussed.