Blog #10: Blog 1 Reflection

When I look back on what I expected from the course at the start of the semester to now, I think I got what I wanted from the class. The information I learned helped me take a better look at the people in my life, as well as myself, and day to day social encounters. For instance, self enhancements. Now when I meet people, I think to myself how can I make this go well, or what might they be doing to sway me in their favor. With the interest I have in the course and it’s content, I believe I am doing well with the objectives outlined in the class. By studying, taking diligent notes, and doing the assignments, I am helping myself meet those objectives. Going through the class has only made me more curious and intrigued by Social Psychology. How deeply behavior impacts us, and where it can stem from is truly fascinating. However, if I had to take the course again, I think I would give myself more time with the chapter readings so that I can remember all the smaller details from the chapters. Alongside my other classes, this one has helped me delegate my time more wisely to ensure all my assignments are done. Juggling that with my full-time job, I have learned quicker than from any other semester how to budget my time. I also have been able to obtain skills that will last beyond this course. Stronger self analysis I feel is one of the most important things I learned. If we cannot understand ourselves, how are we to understand anyone else?

To document my growth, I included an image of my assignments over time. The grades got increasingly better as I moved more into the class, and I began to understand the content and expectations.

Blog #9: Content Review

As the course comes closer and closer to an end, the top three things I learned from it were: heuristics, more about prejudices, and why we display kindness. These topics all ended up making their way into discussable blogs, or assignment takeaways. By seeing real life examples, reacting to them, and writing about them, I developed a better understanding for these key aspects of social behavior. The heuristics essay assignment takeaway helped cement the different heuristics we studied. I had to create examples and go into more reflective detail, and through that process, was able to understand that part of the content better. By completing the blog post responding to sexism in the media against women, I was able to find telling visuals on that form of prejudice, and contribute to a greater conversation around why women are demeaned in such a way, and why it is a social issue. The last memorable topic I learned was about why we display kindness. Learning about the different motives was interesting, and it coincided with a blog post where I included a visual artifact that tied the concept into modern dating. By seeing this behavior in different scenarios, it makes me easier to spot them, and more likely to think twice about what someone’s motives for kindness could be.

smead.com/Director.aspx?Nodeld=1623

This image depicts how I boil down the information in the course. The easiest way for me to learn, is to be organized and keep like things together. Notes, pre assignment plans, and saving the assignments themselves, all make it easier to remember them and their larger concepts.

Blog #8: Mating Article Analysis

The article was interesting. By approaching the sexual conflicts and disagreements between men and women from an evolutionary standpoint, the author gives an important insight that can give a grounding to behavior. Of course that is just a starting point, but further conversation and communication can be done to elevate that deeper understanding to create a level point between partners. Seeing how much of our biology influences how we act on a gender basis, it can cause a lack of understanding when it comes to the different perspectives in a couple. Voicing disagreements, as well as desires can give transparencies and lessen that confusion as well. From personal experience and friend accounts, the main things I have noticed that men do to upset women have to do with: communication, listening, being emotionally closed off, and selfishness. That being said, what I have heard from partners and friend accounts, they say the main things that women do to upset men are: hold grudges, act in petty ways, try to change them, and try to control their lives. There is an interesting dichotomy where it seems women want more closeness and emotional bonding, whereas men tend to be more reserved and less emotionally in touch.

writersafterdark.net/2016/07/28/men-and-women-how-we-argue/

This image depicts a classic argument, as well as issue men have with women. When women are upset and possibly feel that their partner does not notice or care, they say we are fine, with strong implications they are not. This bothers men because it is not straight forward, and comes off hostile to them, and escalates the situation when they get upset from that reaction.

pinterest.de/pin/207939707770755715/

This comic depicts several different instances of classic things men say or do to upset women. Between being emotionally insensitive and coming off selfish and oblivious, it makes it seem as though men do not listen to us, or care about how things make us feel if they disagree with it, or it inconveniences them.

Blog #7: Self Regulation and Emotional Intelligence

Self regulation and emotional intelligence go hand it hand. Through emotional intelligence we are actively trying to understand how we feel, and why we feel that way. It is important because when we think about our feelings, we can better understand how to address them, and self regulate. Allowing us to better assess the reactions and decisions we have to them. To me, emotional intelligence is being in touch with my feelings. Trying to understand them allows me the ability to nurture my feelings in a better way, and helps me make more rational decisions in response. Emotional intelligence helps limit reacting on emotion alone, which can be sporadic and lead to less desirable outcomes. Personally, when I get really upset over something someone close to me does, I try to keep myself in check. I try to think about their side of the situation, and think about the language and tone I would use to approach them about the situation. I know if I came at them with anger and hostility, as well as targeted language, it would hurt the relationship and any attempts at reaching an emotional understanding for both sides. Despite the effort, I still struggle from time to time. I think by trying to ground myself more and react calmly and sensibly to situations, I can teach myself better emotional intelligence over time.

mindtools.com/pages/article/ei-quiz.htm

The image above depicts the results from a EQ test I found online. The test told me I am “OK” with my emotional intelligence; but by reflecting on my answers, I was able to see directly where I need to improve, and what is holding me back.

Blog #6: Women and Advertising

From as soon as I can remember, the relationship ads and women have together, is one that is less than flattering. For the most part, all the topics center around their bodies, and how to make them look better. That, or the sexualization of them to sell products. “Sex sells” is an understatement when the same oversexualized body type is projected to us in our media. The ideal weight, height, figure, race, have all found their way in our ads that harmfully elicit an idea of an ideal woman. Hearing Jean Kilbourne discuss this issue, only further affirmed my feelings. Her examples, as well as her points exposed how women are still shown as objects, and that ads keep levels of misogyny alive. They perpetuate the idea that women have to live up to this certain standard of beauty, and that we are only valued for how good our bodies can look. It is demeaning and disheartening to see this go on, despite the works of ads aiming to showcase every body is beautiful, and the strides women have worked so hard for against the pressures of a male dominated society. Here is a list of a few ads that contribute to the stigma mentioned within Kilbourne’s Ted Talk:

clickhole.com/tag/body-shaming/

This ad is somewhat amusing, out of the sheer fact of how ridiculous it is. The glue brand is giving off the message that only attractive women use, and can use their products. It is displaying an image of what is hot, and what is not; and putting down women if they do not look like the overly sexualized model in the campaign. By doing this, they are also using women’s bodies to get more attention to their product, and influence more men to buy it.

thejournal.ie/sexiest-vintage-ads-2357350-Oct2015/

This ad aimed at marketing weight loss products does a few things wrong. It tells women and society, what a beach body is. Implying to women, that if you do not look like this, you should not wear a swimsuit, and our product is for you. Again, showcasing an ideal, unrealistic standard of women. It makes women feel bad about themselves, so they buy the product in hopes to look like the model. Utilizing the model’s body as well, attracts attention to the ad, as she is in a tiny bikini that highlights her figure.

pinterest.com/pin/474074298272488946/

This anti cellulite ad gives the impression that cellulite is not okay, and women should try to get rid of it. Showing the product off next to clean, slim legs, free of cellulite, almost gives the impression to women that this is what your legs could and should look like. Instead of normalizing and appreciating the natural beauty of bodies, the ad tells women just another thing they have to fix in order to look desirable. Using a slim model with nice legs, makes women compare themselves to the ad. It is exactly what Neutrogena wants so that the product sells.

businessinsider.com/golds-gym-fat-shaming-ad-causes-controversy-2016-8

This ad for Gold’s Gym is harsh and to the point. It plays off the feelings of women, and outright tells them what their bodies cannot look like. By shaming women to feel bad about themselves, the gym aims to gain their membership so that they can work to be more desirable. Any body can workout and be athletic, but this ad does not promote that realistic standard. Instead, it keeps the notion of what is attractive, and what is not; telling women they could be attractive, if they just lost weight.

feminisminindia.com/2017/07/13/fat-shaming-advertisements/

Serving as incredibly offensive and insulting, this ad for blu electronic cigarettes plays off the dated idea of a cigarette after sex. However, in the ad, it is stated the man just skipped to the cigarette, not regretting not sleeping with the woman presumably because she is larger. Almost giving a “dodged a bullet” message, it makes women feel undesirable for their size, and that men may not find them sexually appealing if they are that woman’s size, or similar. It heavily body shames, and targets a male audience at women’s expense.

Blog #5: Communicator Credibility and Attractiveness

businessinsider.com/viral-womens-rights-ad-campaign-to-expand-2013-10

I selected this advertisement as a credible source because as a woman, ads concerning issues impacting women are important to me. What influenced me to believe this ad is credible, is that it seems to be coming from a place of awareness, and it is sponsored by an organization dealing with women’s rights. Through listing some of the major inequalities women have faced over time, it is aiming to be honest, and spread a message. The ad overall makes me feel like the organization genuinely cares about these issues.

loynorrixapenglish.freeforums.net/thread/607/teir-weasel-worded-advertising-weight

I selected this advertisement as a non-credible source because it looked gimmicky and far fetched. What influenced me to believe the ad was not credible was the large scale claims, lack of any scientific support, and lack of proof. The claims sound ridiculous, and it overall seems like false advertising.

ae.com/aerie-real-life/2019/01/31/introducing-your-new-aeriereal-role-models/

I selected this advertisement as an attractive source because I like the representation it has for women. For a clothing brand especially, it is important to show inclusivity. By creating an ad that can resonate with people, seems good in moral, and depicts these women positively, American Eagle accomplishes making an attractive ad.

Blog #4: Exam 1 review

I found reviewing my exam questions very helpful. It showed me what I spent enough time reviewing, and what I should have reviewed a bit further. The process gives me the ability to go back and compare my notes or guides to the exam, and prepare better the next time around. To prepare for the exam I used my notes to answer the study guide questions, and then made note cards. I found this was a good way to test myself on what I knew, and what I could not answer without my notes. After taking the exam I think I will spend more time studying all the information collectively, instead of assuming certain topics will be easier than others. Not only that, but I will also take more time on each question, and double check all my answers. Filling in the gaps in my knowledge by taking the time to learn what the correct answers actually are, could help me achieve more success in my classes and on my exams. By committing to understanding the content, the types of questions asked of me, and the best ways to study from the review, I am giving myself the potential to do better in the future.

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This photo is just a few of the notecards I made in order to study for the exam. I went through each question on the guide and alternated between reviewing, and quizzing myself.

Blog #3: Music & Relationships

After reading “Soul Meets Body” by Dr. Dylan Selterman, I can understand more of the reasoning behind the idea of music as a trait depicter. I suppose I never gave it much thought before, but how we use and interpret music in the context of others is unique. Music can create this deep resonating feeling that when shared with someone else, is bonding; not just by what it evokes emotionally, but by the thoughts it gives us, and how it shapes us. When we share music with others, it can feel like letting them in on a piece of our deeper selves. However, I think that someone can interpret the tones and messages from music, or get a sense of the values someone has from it, while not sharing their taste. When it comes to my friends and I, we have very different taste in music. Yet, we all still listen to it together, or take turns playing what we like. I think as well, different types of music can have the same meaning and tones, and thus the same effects, if we just listen closely enough. For instance, my best friend loves Latin music and R&B; and she will play certain songs to feel motivated, or when she feels down. A lot of the songs line up with her values as a person; like working hard, being independent, and empowering women. I like more indie and alternative music, yet my style of music still circles around those messages as well. Despite the styles, meaning still transcends, and common ground can be found when looking deeper. That way of approach I feel, helps us see people better, and can create bonds as well; not just by liking the same music.

A list of the songs that represent the people in my life:

For my boyfriend: As the world caves in – Matt Maltese. I chose this song because it has a very romantic meaning, but the lyrics are somewhat morbid. The dichotomy makes me think of the way our relationship is.

For my best friend: Dictator – REI AMI. I chose this song because of the energy it gives off. It has this confidence to it, but in the middle breaks to something very soft, and it makes me think about how she comes off to the world, and who she is inside.

For my childhood friend: Wouldn’t it be nice – The Beach Boys. I chose this song because I remember we would listen to it together as kids. She is such a bright person, so the happy tone always reminds me of her.

For my step father: Black hole son – Soundgarden. I chose this song because my step father was the one who got me into alternative music, and it became something we shared together on trips and little outings.

For my sister: Better not – Louis The Child, Wafia. I chose this song because my sister loves anything with a EDM style to it, and I remember her visiting after a while of being a part, blasting this song, and how happy I felt to see her again.

For my mother: Take me to church- Hozier. I chose this song because it is one of my mother’s favorites. She would walk around the house all the time singing the chorus. It always makes me think of her now.

For myself and my outlook: Happy – Julia Michaels. This song resonates with me very personally, because I feel like it depicts the inner conflict of a young girl as she goes about life, and finds herself. No matter what, the goal is to just simply be happy. That message is one that motivates me every day to find happiness, and create it for others as well.

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https://genius.com/Julia-michaels-happy-lyrics

Blog #2: “What Kind Of Student Am I?”

When it comes to describing the type of student I am, I think I have an interesting dichotomy. I am very hard working, motivated, timely, and I multi task very well. However, I also get overwhelmed very easily, often need greater explanation from professors or tutors, and procrastinate work I do not have much interest in. Despite the two sides contradicting one another, I always manage to get my work done, and I care about the quality that I put into my work. I am fairly confident in my abilities to perform as a student, and much like other students, I have my strengths and weaknesses. To improve my level of confidence I think I need to stop doubting myself, and learn how to stop letting stress and fear of failure cloud my performance. By asking for help more, and taking more time to invest in areas of my studies I do not understand, I think I could improve how I tackle issues as a student, and change my approach going into things that are difficult for me. After taking the Self Efficacy questionnaire, I realized that my confidence level was a little lower than I expected to be. Despite having lower confidence in my abilities, when I look at all I have accomplished, and how I am performing, I am underestimating myself. I think that the more I worry about making sure my assignments are well done, the better I do. I just have to reflect back more to prove to myself that I have earned the confidence that my work depicts.

THE INFLUENEC OF SELF EFFICACY:

I chose this image because it depicts self efficacy very well, and showcases the power it has. How much confidence we have, and how much we believe in ourselves translates to what we go after, and how we approach life. It influences our attitudes, our work ethics, and successes. In the cartoon, both tasks are very daunting. However, with great confidence the woman is able to conquer the mountain; while the man facing a different challenge, struggles to overcome it because he does not have confidence in his ability to do so.

rutraining.org/2019/02/18/self-efficacy-theory-sometimes-it-really-is-all-in-your-head/

Blog #1: Course Reflection

I believe that the course objectives will help me in the future because of how heavily the content relates to the real world. What I will be able to gather from the class about social behavior, and the why’s about our thought processes for interactions, attractions, and biases, is information that can help better the relationships in my life; and better my understanding of those around me. My expectations for this course are to develop a deeper sense for a more specific facet of psychology. I am hoping to learn information I did not know prior, and find ways to not only integrate that into my life, but expand my own knowledge of psychology. The strategies I intend to use to help me succeed would be: to take diligent notes, read the textbook chapters, fill out the study guides, as well as do the archive assignments.

HEURISTICS: AVALIABILITY HEURISTIC

I chose this image to exemplify one of the heuristics that was learned in chapter two. I found this particular portion of the chapter very interesting, as we all fall subject to heuristics. The availability heuristic depicted here, is one we see a lot with media, and has such a strong influence of our actions, as it plays off of erratic emotions like fear.

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https://www.intelligentspeculation.com/blog/category/Cognitive+Bias