Mental Maps
Stanley Milgram has proposed the concept of "psychological maps" to study people's perceptions of the city environment, also knwon as "Schema" You can adapt this technique to gain some insight into your own and others' perceptions of your college campus. Basically, the technique involves drawing a map of the campus. The emphasis should be on representing the campus as the person sees it, not on geographical accuracy. First, draw your own map of the campus. Then select two acquaintances who might have different relationships to the campus (e.g., an athlete and a scholar, a freshman and a senior), and ask each of them to draw a map of the campus. Do not let them see any of the other maps before they draw their own.
1. Are there certain landmarks or boundaries that are included on all three maps? If so, what are they?
2. Are certain parts of the campus over represented on the maps or drawn in more detail than other parts? If so, do these special parts of the map reflect the interests and activities of the particular mapmaker? For example, did the scholar note all the libraries, whereas the athlete drew the various playing fields and sports facilities?
3. What aspects of the campus environment are not represented on the maps? Why not?
4. Aside from omissions, are there any other patterns of distortion in the maps? If so, what are they?
Please check the Project guidelines page to answer additional questions. Always do your write up in essay format with proper theory and refeencing.
Important : Do not use your classmates from social psychology for this exercise. You must use outside people. Otherwise the results are skewed.
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