Fake Pub Studies Drinking Habits

sciencehabit writes "In a pub on the campus of London South Bank University, you may think you're drinking an ice cold brew, but don't be too sure. A fake pub with barstools, beer pumps, and all the trappings of a real one was built on the university for psychologists to better understand how and why we drink. Hidden cameras and a cheerful staff — who are undercover psychology students — help analyze behavior when customers, or test subjects, pay a visit."

Comments

Re:So a fake pub with drinks and a place to sit

[gstoddart]

Also, psychologists will frown upon any research where the subjects do not know they are part of a research project.

I'm guessing it depends on the nature of the interaction.

Some guys sitting in a pub knocking back a few can be a talkative bunch, and if you're not inducing them to do anything and serving responsibly ... then it's like Jane Goodall watching monkeys, isn't it?

Because I bet a good bar tender can tell you more about people than your average psychologist. ;-)