lost letter procedure

an indirect attitude measure used at an aggregate group level. Two sets of stamped envelopes are created, one addressed to a group likely to adopt a particular attitudinal position on the target issue and the other addressed to a group likely to adopt the opposite position. Equal numbers of each version of the envelope are randomly distributed in a particular community. The procedure is based on the logic that a person finding a letter that has apparently been inadvertently dropped is more likely to place the letter in a mailbox if it is addressed to a group that shares his or her position. The percentage of people in that community supporting the two positions is then inferred from the number of envelopes that are ultimately mailed to each address. Also called lost letter technique. [originally developed by Stanley Milgram]

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Psychology term of the day

December 22nd 2024

nontraditional education

1. an educational plan that does not conform to the accepted or customary ideas of an ordinary educational system and that may include innovative approaches to teaching, curriculum, grading, or degree requirements.

2. an educational plan that allows an individual to gain credentials without going through the usual channels.