__THE ACTORS__
MARE — me
BO — guy in class
PROF — the professor
__BACK-STORY__
The Intro Psychology class that I am in was required (1/4 of the grade)to run a lab. The syllabus states:
As a class, we will determine a research question, formulate hypotheses, design a research method, carry out the research plan, analyze the data we have collected, and write-up the results. You will work in teams to complete this project. More details about the content and methodology will become available as the class develops.
Erk.
So, we did. We came up with an idea, put together a plan with teams to carry it out. Last Sunday we went to Zilker park to run the actual experiment portion – we figured that we would have plenty of people around willing to participate out there. It was hot, difficult and time consuming but, it is done. That portion anyway.
About 7 people showed up out of a class of 16. Not bad – almost half – including the PROF.
Now all we have left to do is take the data that we gathered and analyze it then write up a paper on the findings. I figure we would get one of the people who have YET to participate in any part of this lab to help out. I have already done preliminary sort/analyze work on the data.
__THE SCENE__
A small classroom in a portable building. It is about 43 degrees in the room because the giant A/C unit is set to 86.*
BO enters the classroom and spies MARE.
BO: Hi! What’d I miss?
MARE: ….
BO: Soo…ummm… Is there anything that I need to do for the lab?
MARE: Why, yes. Since you asked. Here (puts stack of data on BO’s desk) This needs to get analyzed. In fact, if you analyze it and can email me the results by this weekend then I can do the final write up.
BO: Sure!
MARE: I’m glad that you are going to help.
BO: Why I would never be a social loafer!** Hahahahaha!
MARE: ….mmhmmm. Well like I said, its very important that you get that data analyzed and to me. It affects everyone’s grades because if we don’t turn this in everybody fails.
BO: No problem. I just need to know how to analyze it.
PROF: (overhearing) I can help with that. If you can stay after class, I would be glad to show you how.
MARE & BO: (relieved) Sounds great!
MARE: (returns to her desk)
BO: (returns to his desk)
-class commences-
-later, as class is starting to come to a close-
MARE: (looks over to BO to give a smile and thumbs up)
BO: (not there…snuck out of class earlier)
MARE: 9__9
*
– seriously, it is like they are manufactured by the same people who do hotel A/Cs. Noisy and only two settings – Arctic Circle and Hatching Baby Chicks.
**
– we did a lecture on social loafing right before we started the lab. I think the PROF was trying to say something.
The Process 