I talk about scripts as a kind of schema. I'll always remember the first time I visited a warehouse-type grocery store where you had to bag your own groceries. The cashier and I stood there looking at each other, each wondering when the other was going to start bagging.
I also remember when our local Wendy's fast-food restaurant didn't have garbage cans. Instead they had someone bus the tables. Invariably someone would stand up with tray in hand and scan for the garbage can -- and look confused when they couldn't find any. -- Sue Frantz Highline Community College Psychology, Coordinator Des Moines, WA 206.878.3710 x3404 [email protected] Office of Teaching Resources in Psychology, Associate Director Project Syllabus APA Division 2: Society for the Teaching of Psychology -----Original Message----- From: Michael Britt [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, April 29, 2009 10:02 AM To: Teaching in the Psychological Sciences (TIPS) Subject: [tips] Not Sure What's At Work Here Yesterday I went into the Apple store to pick up a few gadgets and I thought the store looked a little sparse. Something was missing but I couldn't figure out what it was. Then I figured it out: I picked up a few things and then went looking for the checkout counter. Couldn't find it. How about a cash register? Nope. Apparently Apple has decided that we don't need those things. I have to admit I felt a little lost. Since you can check out with any of the sales people anywhere in the store using a portable "register", Apple apparently feels there's no need for an actual physical counter. The sales guy admitted that most people feel uncomfortable with this arrangement. Many customers go looking for any counter that looks like it might be a checkout counter and they stand in front of it. Also, it was the sales guy's opinion that people feel comfortable knowing that they have a place in line. Not sure where this behavior fits: social norms? situational norms? Michael [email protected] www.thepsychfiles.com --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([email protected]) --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([email protected])
