One Look Is Worth a Thousand Words: Effectiveness of Video for Learning about Textile and Apparel Social Responsibility

Abstract

<p>The complexity of the social responsibility (SR) concept makes learning about SR crucial for future academic and industry professionals. The purpose of this study was to examine effectiveness of a single learning assignment (watching a video) on student understanding of SR in the textile and apparel industry. Three research questions guided the study: (1) What issues students perceive as SR problems in the industry, (2) How students' definitions of SR differ before and after watching the video, and (3) How students' SR related attitudes changed after watching the video. The results of this study indicated that completing the learning activity substantially enhanced students' knowledge of a wide range of issues related to SR. Furthermore, students' attitudes toward SR have shifted significantly after watching the video: In addition to responsibilities on the part of companies and industry overall, students realized the role of individual consumers and society as a whole.</p>