Brian
Wardwell
Princeton
University
This
thesis was submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
April
1999
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this experiment was to (a)
examine incoming freshmen's expectations about Princeton University for
self-other discrepancies, and (b) measure the effects of the Outdoor Action
Frosh Trip Program in helping freshmen adapt to Princeton. Self-other
discrepancies were the focus of this study because pluralistic ignorance
research has identified some interesting consequences that arise when
individuals misperceive group norms. These consequences include (a) changing
one’s behavior to be more in line with the perceived norm even if the behavior
was previously viewed as unacceptable and (b) a general sense of alienation
from the group. The Outdoor Action Frosh Trip is a pre-registration wilderness
orientation trip. Groups of approximately 10 freshmen spend 6 days hiking
through the woods with two upper-classmen leaders. The trip helps freshmen
adapt to Princeton in two ways. First of all, freshmen are introduced to a new
group of friends. Second of all, the discussions on the trip provide an
excellent opportunity for the freshmen's misperceptions to be corrected because
students are continually talking about their expectations and anxieties. This
study showed that the Outdoor Action Frosh Trip helps to correct student’s
misperceptions about the alcohol norms on campus and it is speculated that the
Trip helps students to fit in better socially.