{"id":8,"date":"2022-01-10T16:25:18","date_gmt":"2022-01-10T16:25:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/psyc420template\/?page_id=8"},"modified":"2022-04-10T15:30:54","modified_gmt":"2022-04-10T15:30:54","slug":"weekly-blog","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/ehood-psyc304\/weekly-blog\/","title":{"rendered":"Weekly Blog"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Knitting Knowledge together to gain a full understanding of human behavior. Clicking the image redirects you to original source. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Blog Entry Ten:<\/strong> April 10, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

In my initial Blog, I intended to inch closer to an understanding of human behavior within the social world. To understand biases and perception of others to enrich my knowledge as a research psychologist. The reality of what I gained from my last semester in my undergraduate degree can be seen as the missing pieces to a much larger puzzle. Up to this point I relied on personal experience to describe human behavior. Much to my surprise I engaged in pluralistic ignorance and suffered from optimistic thinking. The ability to admit how clouded my perception of the world fuels the next chapter of my academic career, where I have much to learn and a lifetime of learning to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I feel as though I have successfully been able to apply the knowledge gained from this semester to assist the academic goals I have set for myself. Throughout the semester I procured knowledge within the classroom, which I then applied to previous theories and coursework. Instead of learning the coursework material for an Exam, I can applicably apply it to real life settings to understand others\u2019 current and past behavior, to recognize the how and why to others behavior.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The social perception of myself and others’ interaction with the social environment has been altered by taking social psychology. The idea that we are a product of social learning, associate with others of similar cut, and are driven by the need for affiliation. Most importantly how we interpret interactions (thoughts, affect, and behavior) are interconnected; changing one can change everything. Social Psychology has truly given me freedom from ignorance and the ability to acknowledge and appreciate myself and others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If I had to do things differently, I would have signed up for Social Psychology a lot sooner than my final semester. The knowledge gained in this course could have saved me from a lot of heartache in the past BUT, I am grateful I know now. That is really all that matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the last few months, I have grown academically by being able to connect past constructs and use social psychology to hold it all in place. Knowing theories and hypotheses is great but conceptualizing the why behind behavior is far more rewarding. Moving forward and using what I have learned to connect abstract ideas to human behavior will help me throughout graduate school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the beginning of this semester, I was hoping to be admitted into ODU\u2019s Health Psychology Program. I have recently accepted an offer for admission for the summer semester of 2022. The knowledge gained from this course ties together all of psychology. An individual does not exist in a social vacuum and can be influenced by many factors. Being able to recognize internal and external variables will be valuable as I continue to study human behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blog tens visual representation was chosen to represent the applicable use Social Psychology has to understanding behavior. Social Psychology are interconnected constructs woven together to gain insight into behavior, as opposed to erroneously concluding psychology builds on top of each other. This semester taught me more than I could have imagined, preparing me for the challenges that lie ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“Battlefield of Manassas<\/em>.” Image taken by Ehood <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Blog Entry Nine: <\/strong>April 01, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The self-knowledge I gained throughout this semester has helped me gain insight into others and myself. Insight into self-aid in the understanding of my social interactions. How I define myself in various situations in the personal-versus-social continuum. My Emotions, moods, thoughts, social situations, and perceived social norms (explicit or implicit) influence behavior toward others. Relying on one process may trigger the use of heuristics which could potentially lead to erroneous beliefs, ignorance, or prejudice.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The personal-versus-social continuum suggests how our identification within a social context can affect our responses to others. Identifying at the personal level (intragroup) we see ourselves with distinctive attributes outside of a social group. When we identify at the social level (intergroup) we see ourselves as having shared attributes within a group. Depending on how we define the self in a setting can bring us either closer or more distant to others. If I were to identify with others at an intergroup level, I would perceive others with dissimilar traits as outgroup members. Depending on my emotions at the time (fear, anger, or envy) can drive me to treat the outgroup member with prejudice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This brings me to how affect (emotions\/moods) shapes thoughts which guides overt behavior. Feelings are internal processes composed of emotions (how I perceive the world around me with constructed distinct images) and moods (dependent memories can be positive or negative). My current affect can shape cognition; how I think, process, store and remember various pieces of information. Moreover, the interplay between thoughts and affect works in a reciprocal manner. The interplay between affect and cognition occurs by one of two processes: controlled or automatic manner. Thoughts are considered controlled by logically weighing out the pros and cons of an action. Automatic processing occurs quickly in an intuitive fashion, emotionally charged, and takes little cognitive effort. A person engages in social judgement (deciding if we like someone or not) triggering mental schemas which are reliant on heuristics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A heuristic are short cuts individuals use when making complex decisions or inferences for social stimuli (people, places, and things). Of the four heuristics (e.g., representativeness, availability, anchoring and adjustments, and status quo) the two that tie this whole piece together are representativeness and availability. When representativeness is used to make social judgments, we rely on protypes (similarities another person has with a particular group). Which could mean the evaluator is using a group essence (specific traits\/characteristic of a group) to draw conclusions about the evaluatee. The evaluator is also using available information easily recalled when drawing a conclusion. The individual\u2019s automatic processing (use of a heuristic) in the social situation is influenced first by their self-identification then by their affect, which guides their response.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The above concepts can be applied to the Takeaway Three post entitled \u201cEmotions, Thoughts, Action Can be Taken to the Extreme\u201d on Michael Richards\u2019 outburst towards a heckler. During the chaotic event, Richards\u2019 attitude to behavior process model were activated by the heuristic representativeness. Richards\u2019 attitude (evaluation about the social environment) simultaneously galvanized his perceived social norms of engaging in prejudice behavior. Therefore, Richards\u2019 response to the social situation can be explained through identifying as a group (Caucasian men) then using little cognitive effort to control his negative emotions. The anger he felt led to his attempts to inflict harm towards the heckler by using racial slurs. This process automatically occurs because of either social learning in early childhood or in adulthood through institutions and\/or the social environment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In theories of personality course, psychologist Albert Bandura developed the Social Learning Theory by coupling classical conditioning and operant conditioning. Bandura\u2019s theory suggests individuals learn through modeling the behavior seen in our environment. Due to an individual\u2019s innate need to be affiliated and accepted by others, who are similar to us. Moreover, an unconditioned stimulus becomes conditioned response where the overt behavior becomes rewarded (i.e., praise or laughter). The individual then takes this previous experience, and it becomes an automatic response to the social world. However, how the individual defines themselves in the social situation and perceives social norm to treat others of a differing race is key to the initial response. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The image entitled Battlefield Manassas were chosen because it symbolizes figuratively and literally the first shots taken in a war rooted in racism, discrimination, and dehumanization. Which is to this day still being fought in some form or another across a broader spectrum of the entire world. Will the solders of this battle ever put their weapons down? The answer lies within the individual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sexual Conflict can be reduced by communicating implicit & explicit norms. Clickin<\/span><\/a>g on this caption redirects you to the website where the image was originally found. www.FreePik.com<\/span><\/a><\/code><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Blog Entry Eight: <\/strong>March 27, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Evolutionary Psychologist David Buss\u2019 research suggests men and women\u2019s biological evolutionary instincts of reproduction and survival are innate influences in explaining human behavior. To ensure a male genes\u2019 survival it was imperative to reproduce (sex), provide (shelter and food), and fend off competition (animal and human). While a woman\u2019s mechanisms for survival were reproduction, which leads to bearing children, then caring for offspring, and at times gathering (fruits, nuts, and the like). How, from an evolutionary standpoint, do these survival instincts translate to modern partnerships, needs, and behavior? According to Buss, finding a mate is merely the creation of a(n) entire new set of problems (i.e., sexual conflict). Sexual Conflict occurs when both men\u2019s and women\u2019s ideals, beliefs, and values are in opposition of one another. The need for affiliation is a basic instinct both men and women need; influenced and evolved though a lifetime of experiences. Each individual has their own ideas of what is and is not acceptable behaviors within the relationship. To overcome sexual conflicts, individuals entering into a partnership should discuss their perception of what implicit and explicit social norms are. Implicit social norms are informal unstated social rules within the relationship, whereas explicit are formal stated expected behaviors. But if neither of these social norms are discussed how would the other person know them? What could be seen as an explicit norm to one person may be a foreign concept to another. Let us dive a little deeper into which behaviors can be upsetting to partners when rules are not clearly established. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some women will erroneously engage in pluralistic ignorance (belief that others share the same beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors) which can be counterproductive to a relationship and upset men. To resolve the sexual conflict men could communicate with their partners their feelings, thoughts, and needs. Self-disclosing could lead to being better understood rather than being told their \u201cfeelings.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Communicating and self-disclosing with your partner could bring attitude clarity to yourself and others by gaining insight into what is realistically felt. Moreover, when your partner is aware of how to fulfill their partner\u2019s needs and happiness it creates intimacy. It gives the individual an opportunity to decide if they are able and willing to provide for their partner\u2019s needs in a long-term commitment. Which has the opportunity of opening the door to having uncomfortable conversations in the future. Rather than selectively avoiding topics incongruent with an individual\u2019s views.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buss offered psychology an awareness of human\u2019s innate behavior to adapt and evolve within their environment. But does it overlook the importance of communicating about social norms, both implicit and explicit? Biologically yes, we each need to affiliate with one another but how well we communicate and systematically process our partner\u2019s needs (physical or emotional) is often implicit and expected to be known. The truth is, unless you or your partner are mind readers then you may be entering a union under false pretenses of who you think your partner is.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The visual aid I choose to represent the importance of communication in a relationship is an image of a confused-looking couple. In the middle is a heart that is surrounded by a tangled thread of miscommunication. Couples can avoid sexual conflict by communicating their wants, needs, and expectations before entering a relationship. Many times, people engage in pluralistic ignorance by assuming their partner has the same values. When we stop assuming and start asking, relationships become easier.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Yoga – connecting the mind, body, and sol. Image taken by Liam Hood.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Blog Entry Seven: <\/strong>March 20, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Self-Regulation and Emotional Intelligence are connected to an individual\u2019s ability to distinguish between both emotions and thought processes. Being able to identify the underlying emotional response in situations helps regulate our thought processes. Identifying the emotion and the ability to regulate thoughts is Emotional Intelligence, allowing us to self-regulate. An individual who can understand their emotions and cognitive response have the capacity to approach both internal and external stimuli in an appropriate manner.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emotional Intelligence is personally relevant because it provides self-insight and the ability to acknowledge my emotions, judgments, and evaluations I have about both internal and external stimuli. The valuable insight plays a powerful role in my behavioral and cognitive response towards myself and others. To this end I can evaluate per-existing thought patterns; negative emotions or feelings can be identified then changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A major downfall I have is my need to strive for perfection, which interferes with the expectations I have of myself and others. When I am unable to complete my optimistic To-do list, in the past I would be negative towards myself which makes me feel worse. Instead of being stuck in an endless cycle of self-deprecation, I decided to take action to change. Which involves taking time to realign my body, emotions, and thoughts through my practice of yoga. Every day, three times a day (morning, mid-day, and the evening), I take time to reconnect with my breathing. After a few yoga poses I can identify my emotions. Then at the end of my practice I can continue taking on the day, remain present, interact positively with myself and those around me, and remind myself that I am only human.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Practicing yoga has really had a significant impact on my life and social interactions. For this reason, the visual image I have selected for this week\u2019s blog is an image of my practice. If you are struggling with your emotional intelligence and self-regulation, I recommend trying something different, maybe even yoga! The practice of yoga draws the attention of the yogi inward by evaluating what does and does not serve your best interest. In addition, it is also a great total body work out, which is good for your physical and mental health. I have also included a YouTube video below, so check it<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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