Communicating Consent: Testing Taxonomy Based Training Methods

Abstract

Previous research has found that our practices in relation to sexual consent are heavily influenced by the knowledge and training we have on the topic. While consent training contributes to our understanding of this critical concept, best practices in learning principles and knowledge translation suggest that more can be done to create effective and durable training programs. The use of virtual platforms for training also requires adept considerations as to impactful training modalities. As such, the present study was designed to assess the extent to which varied methods of virtual training produce a better understanding of consent. Using a mixed methods design, participants will be exposed to one of six virtual consent training procedures that vary according to the visual modality of presentation (basic/graphic) and level of learning taxonomy (low/mid/high). Measures of consent attitudes, rape myth acceptance, and consent knowledge will be assessed both before and after training to evaluate changes in both understanding and application. We anticipate that training that is both visually impactful and aligns with high level learning principles will yield the greatest change in consent beliefs and knowledge. This study has implications for how consent training impacts individuals’ perceptions of consent and will be part of a larger study evaluating how durable consent training is over time.

Department: Psychology

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Kristine Peace