(5) Module 3 Archive
Similarity leads to attraction
Social psychologists have found in their research that there seems to be wisdom in the idea of “similarity leads to attraction.”
This statement is an obvious proclamation to the status quo. Though it holds truth, this statement leaves out the fact that compatibility is only a small piece to a lasting relationship.
Does this finding seem surprising to you?
NO
Opposites attract
Social psychologists have found in their research that there seems to be wisdom in the old saying, “Opposites attract.”
In a sentence or two, why do you suppose this is true?
My wife and I are a testament to this statement. Though we have surface similarities and likes, we are very different in many ways. This leads to personal diversity, growth, and adaptability.
Does this finding seem surprising to you?
NO
I chose this photo of me and my wife as it represents two “opposites” with many similarities, happily married!!!
(4) Module 4 Archive
Does reporting acts of terrorism, for instance, lead us to a distorted perception of the views of the average resident of the terrorists’ home countries (e.g., Arabs, Muslims, Serbs)? Discuss the role the media plays in representative and availability heuristics.
I do believe, without proper insight and education, that the media has a huge influence on the way many people view issues like terrorism and other social issues. I think it is unfair to completely categorize a certain group in order to portray a message or gain traction for a certain agenda. I believe it is driven by arrogance and leads to ignorance.
I chose this photo because it was a section in the video where people were debating on whether the government was correct, or not, in implementing certain restrictions that were claimed to be intended to protect American families.
(3) Module 7 Archive
Attitude Survey
Please indicate your degree of agreement or disagreement with each of the following statements:
- Students will speak out more during a lecture if they have read the assigned reading.
1 2 3 4
disagree agree
- Wearing a seatbelt significantly reduces the chance of suffering a serious injury in a car accident.
1 2 3 4
disagree agree
- Homelessness is a serious social problem that needs attention.
1 2 3 4
disagree agree
- Engaging in regular physical exercise several times a week promotes good health.
1 2 3 4
disagree agree
- Recycling is a great way to protect the environment.
1 2 3 4
disagree agree
- Designating a non-drinking driver can reduce the chance of being in an alcohol-related accident.
1 2 3 4
disagree agree
After completing the survey above, please complete the survey below:
Behavior Survey
Please indicate with a yes or no whether you do the following behaviors:
N___ 1. I always read the assigned materials before class.
Y___ 2. I regularly use a seatbelt to prevent my chances of suffering major injuries.
Y___ 3. Within the past year, I have personally done something to address the problem of homelessness.
Y___ 4. I take the time to engage in regular physical exercise several times a week.
Y___ 5. I habitually recycle to protect the environment.
N___ 6. I regularly designate a non-drinking driver before traveling to bars.
After completing the Behavior Survey, think about any inconsistencies you may feel. How
do you operationalize the feeling of dissonance? Discuss why we often feel a need to reduce the inconsistency and restore a balance between attitudes and behavior. Think about a particular behavior that you engage(d) in, which exemplifies cognitive dissonance. Discuss what you did to either justify the action or change your belief.
I feel I was and am very consistent in my thought processes and actions that follow. I like to stay consistent as my words and actions are closely monitored directly and indirectly by my family. I do, however, show dissonance when it comes to certain actions that are not directly influenced by me personally. recycling for instance; I do recycle to help preserve the environment, but I plat the initial, small part. While the refuse company plays the secondary, pertinent role of completing the effort.
I chose this photo for obvious reasons. Consistency, I believe is the key to success on many platforms, whether at home, at the office, or in the classroom.
(2) Module 12 Archive
Circle any of the following statements you believe indicate aggression.
- A spider eats a fly.
- Two wolves fight for the leadership of the pack.
- A soldier shoots an enemy on the front line.
- The warden of a prison executes a convicted criminal.
- A juvenile gang attacks members of another gang.
- Two men fight for a piece of bread.
- A man viciously kicks a cat.
- A man, while cleaning a window, knocks over a flowerpot, which, in falling, injures a pedestrian.
- A girl kicks a wastebasket.
- X, a notorious gossip, speaks disparagingly of many people of his acquaintance.
- A man mentally rehearses a murder he is about to commit.
- An angry son purposely fails to write to his mother, who is expecting a letter and will be hurt if none arrives.
- An enraged boy tries with all his might to inflict injury on his antagonist, a bigger boy but is not successful in doing so. His efforts simply amuse the bigger boy.
- A man daydreams of harming his antagonist, but he has no hope of doing so.
- A senator does not protest the escalation of bombing to which he is morally opposed.
- A farmer beheads a chicken and prepares it for supper.
- A hunter kills an animal and mounts it as a trophy.
- A dog snarls at a mail carrier but does not bite.
- A physician gives a flu shot to a screaming child.
- A boxer gives his opponent a bloody nose.
- A Girl Scout tries to assist an elderly woman, but she trips her by accident.
- A bank robber is shot in the back while trying to escape.
- A tennis player smashes his racket after missing a volley.
- A person commits suicide.
- A cat kills a mouse, parades around with it, and then discards it.
The items I chose that signify aggression are those that reflect the intent and/or action on that intent. I don’t believe the act of primal/survival instincts is aggression. I also have a hard time believing aggression is something that happens randomly. Aggression, in my opinion, is a process.
I chose this photo because, at a glance, this does look extremely aggressive. Though the dog may be showing aggression towards the photographer in an effort to keep them from taking the bone, the dog could also be playing. Without clarity and a clear backstory, this photo has the potential of being misinterpreted.
(1) Module 10 Archive
Norm Violation Exercise (LO 8.1)
Social psychologists such as Asch and Milgram have repeatedly demonstrated that much of our behavior is influenced by powerful norms, yet many students will deny their vulnerability to these social forces. Instead, they might say they would resist group pressure and not conform or obey.
Milgram suggested that one way to feel the potency of social norms was to deliberately violate them. Over the years, he asked his students to violate a norm by singing out loud on a crowded bus or simply ask people on a crowded bus or subway to give up their seats without an explanation. Needless to say, many of his students recoiled en masse!
For this exercise, violate an implicit norm and then analyze both your own and other people’s reactions.
For this exercise, I decided to violate the simple, yet powerful communication norm of making eye contact with people while conversing. I know some people have a difficult time making eye contact for an extended period of time, or at all, but I decided to make the lack of eye contact obvious. while having our morning coffee, my wife and I usually converse about the kids, daily rundown issues, work, etc. This time I decided to refrain from looking at her in the eyes. It didn’t take long, but I was able to go a few moments, while talking, without looking at her before she confronted me. I initially started the exercise by occupying myself with “tasks”. While holding an important conversation, I avoided making eye contact and she quickly said, “why are you being so weird.” I immediately insisted I was merely busy while keeping my eyes on the kitchen floor. She pried and pried until I broke, and told her the reasoning behind my actions.
This exercise ended with a laugh and I telling revelation. My wife caught on quickly and knew something was up. I found this exercise and archive item the most enjoyable as it made me engage with the class material in a very active way the resulted in real-time results and actions.
I chose this photo because it represents the look on my wife’s face as she tried to figure out why I was not making eye contact during the exercise.