Psychological and Sociological Aspects of Clothing and Textiles
34.245

COURSE DESCRIPTION

An analysis of psychological and sociological theories applied to clothing and home furnishings.  Research and literature on industry demographics/psychographics are related to stages of the life cycle.  Students compare research methods used in literature and participate in a research project.  Observations and computer data analysis are utilized. Prerequisite:  34.141 Fashion: Designer to Consumer and sophomore status. 

PROFESSOR: Dr. Judy Zaccagnini Flynn 

TELEPHONE:  508-626-4709 jflynn@frc.mass.edu   www.framingham.edu/faculty/jflynn

REQUIRED READINGS:

            l.  Readings placed on reserve, handouts given in class

            2. American Psychological Association. (2001). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (5^th ed.). Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association.

            3. Flynn, J. (2005). Research Methods for the Fashion Industry: A Learning Guide for Psychological and Sociological Aspects of Clothing and Textiles

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Objective 1.

            The student will develop a research proposal related to clothing or environments and a stage of the life cycle.  Sociological and psychological concepts related to clothing and textiles are explored.  Qualitative and quantitative methods will be used.

            Learning Activity

            Each student will develop his/her own proposal on one stage of the life cycle with

            a. Observation and writing of research logs and

            b. Development, writing and critical analysis of the basic parts of research: title,

 purpose, hypothesis, review of literature, methodology, results, conclusion,

 implications, and further study.

Objective 2

            The student will investigate, evaluate, and use critical thinking skills on reading and writing research related to clothing and textiles.

            Both quantitative and qualitative research will be analyzed.  Readings and abstracts related to psychology and sociology of clothing and the living environment will be used to analyze title, purpose, hypothesis, and review of literature, methodology, results, conclusion, implications, and possible further study.

Learning Activity

            Given a research abstract, research article, and business article, the student will be able to critically analyze its research components using the Flynn Research Analysis Form (FRAF).

Objective 3

            Given a sociological theory, the student will be able to apply it to clothing behavior.

            Learning Activity

            Class lectures, discussion, readings, and research proposals will investigate a choice of the following concepts:

            a. Models of Social Cognition. 

            b. Group structure of selection below

                        1) Organizational behavior

                              Executive dress

                        2) Ethnic groups

                        3) Race relations

                        4) Collective behavior

                        5) Role theory

                        6) Gender theory (Feminism, maleness)

                        7) Peer pressure                       

                        8) Demographics of a group: Buying needs and                                                                         behavior

9) Social situation: i.e., employer/employee, dating, political candidate, religious function, or formal occasion

10) Nonconformity in dress: i.e., cults, homosexuality, cross-dressing, and clothing as a sign of protest.

                        11) Consumer buying behavior.                                                

Objective 4

            Given a psychological theory, the student will be able to apply it to clothing behavior.

            Learning Activity

            Class lectures, discussions, readings and research will investigate a selection of the following concepts:

            a. Age in the life cycle and psychological and sociological needs of dress and the environment.

                        1) Birth to senior citizens

                        2) Generations Model, Maslow 's need hierarchy, and Creekmore's clothing uses

            b. Body and Personality

                        1) Sheldon's body types and psychological effect:

                                 Ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph

                        2) Body Cathexis

                        3) Compton's Fabric Preference Test

            c. Attractiveness and unattractiveness

            d. Clothing and Eating Disorders

                        1) Anorexia nervosa and bulimia

                        2) Guest speaker, film and readings

            e. Clothing for special needs (optional)

                        1) Theories, Lamb, Feather Models

                        2) Psychological effects of clothing for the handicapped                                    

                        3) Sociological effects of clothing for the handicapped                          

                        4) Theory of Rehabilitation, Flynn Model

                          (Including physical, mastectomy, visually impaired)

Objective 5

            Theoretical models for studying the field of clothing and textiles will be discussed in class including the Framingham State College Model; the Kaiser & Damhorst Model; the Anspach Model; the Hillestad Taxonomy for Appearance; and the Hutton, Kaiser and Nagasawa Model.

            Learning Activity

            Lectures and readings will center on topics included in these models.  Theoretical models are the frameworks for the research proposal.                                                                                           

PREPARATION FOR CLASS

The manual is brought to class each day (different chapters on different days)

Your assigned wireless laptop computer is to be in class each day..

Read sections to be covered BEFORE class: take notes & ask questions during class: then review notes and reread section after class: 

Recent Student Research Papers  Bisol, E. (December, 2001). American women and the expectation of the Vietnam culture for ceremonial dress of American women to Vietnamese men. Ficcardi, E. (November 2004). Buying behaviors of plus size teens in relation to price sensitivity. Flanagan, S. (December, 2002). Nonverbal communication between sales associates and baby boomers:  Effect on Consumers evaluation of the store. Gallagher, J. (December, 2001). The relationship between peer influence and clothing selection in adolescent girls who buy and wear graphic tees. Harper, K. (December, 2001).  Adult dress: Reflection of how the parents' of college-aged students chose to dress them as a child. Holmes, J. (December, 2004). Consumer sale mentality and behavior toward customer service among adult women shopping for lingerie. Karrat, D. (December, 2001).  A bride's gown:  Buying behavior, related to aesthetic choices of young adult women. Kearsley, M. (Dec, 2002). Compulsive buying behaviors of young adults in apparel retail stores. MacKenzie, C. (December, 2001). Sale mentality among college students while shopping for bargains in department stores. Wilkins, T. (December, 2001). Clothing's effect on first impressions:  A young woman on an interview.

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