RESEARCH METHOD COHEN ok

EVALUATING ROLE-PLAYING AND OTHER SIMULATION EXERCISES 457
and methods are tested by an instructor who is
versed not only in the use of the materials, but
also in the ways in which pupils learn.
Notice how each of the above evaluative
techniques is primarily concerned with the process
rather than the product of simulation.
As was mentioned in Chapter 10, role-play
(like simulation methods) can reduce several
problems inherent in laboratory experiments
while retaining some of their virtues. As in
the laboratory experiment, the experimenter
has complete manipulative control over every
aspect of the situation. At the same time,
the subjects’ humanity is left intact in that
they are given a realistic situation in which
to act in whatever way they think appropriate.
Further, the high involvement normally associated
with participation in simulations shows that
the self-consciousness usually associated with the
laboratory experiment is more easily dissipated.
Chapter 21