Artifact 5

Module 7 Archive – Cognitive Dissonance / Attitude and Behavior Survey

There was a behavior survey included in this assignment requiring completion and investigation of the results. I liked this survey because it allowed me to reflect on situation where my attitudes and behaviors do not line up. This was a great way to show how cognitive dissonance can be experienced when an individual is made aware of the discrepancies between attitudes they hold and behavior they display. I learned that there are benefits that can come from exploring issues where there is strong cognitive dissonance and lessen it. Reducing cognitive dissonance can lead to better quality of life, feeling fulfilled regarding issues and situations where you can make a difference, but often choose not to by avoiding the issue altogether. I experienced a strong level of cognitive dissonance considering my attitudes and behaviors regarding homelessness. I feel it is a growing problem which needs to be addressed, but have never personally volunteered my own time or efforts to contribute in any manner.

Visual Image

I chose to include this image as a representation of what I took away from the module 7 archive assignment because I feel that the surveys completed were the basis of the material that impacted me the most.

Artifact 4

Module 4 Archive – Video on Heuristics

The video clip for this assignment was a clip from an ABC News special with host John Stossel. The clip drew attention to the negative role that media has taken on and uses to influence society. I liked the in depth consideration of how larger media companies stand to gain an advantage through the manipulation of the cognitive process of heuristics. I learned that media uses the different forms of heuristics; especially availability and representative heuristics, to persuade viewers to accept and believe stereotypical messages about different social groups. The one sided portrayal of major issues; such as terrorism, and their association with particular social groups leads the public to form stereotypes and prejudices based on misleading information. This manipulation leads many news outlets to become a less credible, unreliable source of information.

Visual Image

This image is also the image that I included as the visual representation of the original archive assignment for module 4. I felt it was necessary to include in this entry due to it’s clear statement that although there are so many things that should require immediate attention from the media and the public, only topics that have the most shock value and can draw in the greatest number of viewers and create the most discussion receive attention from large media networks.

Artifact 3

Module 8 Archive – Stereotype / Survey

The stereotype survey pertaining to different social groups included in this assignment was one thing that drew my attention from the start. I enjoyed comparing my own results after completing the survey to those found by research completed by Katz and Braly (1933), and Gilbert (1951). I learned many details about the stereotypes held at different time periods; how they remain unchanged, and how in many ways they are progressing in a positive direction.

I believe activities like this one to be beneficial. Examining and being honest about personal stereotypes associated with members of other social groups is necessary for understanding and altering attitudes that can lead to prejudice and discrimination. Many people avoid the issue due to the uncomfortable feeling associated with discussing stereotypes. Stereotypes will exist through schemas formed based on experiences throughout life, but there is an importance in examining the validity of these stereotypes, and consideration of whether alteration is required to move society as a whole in a better direction.

Visual Image

I selected this image to represent the information that I took most from the module 8 archive assignment. Being honest with oneself about the stereotypes you hold leads to a better ability to adjust those stereotypes in a manner beneficial to the social group they are applied to.

Artifact 2

Module 3 Archive – Similarity/Opposite Attraction

This assignment was based on how similarities between two people determine their level of attraction toward one another. I liked this activity because it led me to think about my husband whom I share a greater bond with than anyone else. We have always considered ourselves opposites due to the fact that our characteristics are not similar and we our reactions to situations are rarely ever the same. After examining in detail the things that make us similar and opposite I learned that are more similarities in our fundamental beliefs, morals, values; the things most important to us than we tend to notice on a daily basis. Although our surface characteristics are different, our foundation is the same. After learning there is little evidence that opposites attract, a deeper exploration of the two of us show that we are similar in areas that we value most which is why we work so well together.

Visual Image

I chose this image of chess pieces to represent my husband and I. On the surface level we appear quite opposite, but the foundation of our most important beliefs are similar which provides evidence that we seek out individuals who are more similar than different. Our differences make us individuals while our similarities draw us together and make us compatible. This is the case for us personally, as well as, the rest of the social world.

Artifact 1

Module 10 Archive – Social Norms

This assignment involved violating an implicit social norm with the intention to observe how others around me perceived this action and reacted to it. I chose to violate the implicit social norm of returning the shopping cart to the designated area in the parking lot at various stores. This task was surprisingly awkward and I enjoyed observing the reactions of others; and even my own. The discomfort I felt was unexpected and I was surprised to find that my level of discomfort was elevated when more witnesses were present. Through this task I learned the importance of social norms and how much we rely on the behavior of others to show us what behaviors are acceptable and appropriate for a given situation. I also learned through experience that when more people are present, individuals are more likely to comply with social norms.

Visual Image

This is the visual image that I included in module 10 archive which shows me violating the implicit social norm of returning the shopping cart to the designated area in the parking lot. In several different store parking lots left the cart in parking spaces and propped up on the curb, observing the reactions of others around me.